Midfielder warns of backlash

BRAZILIAN midfielder Fernandinho has warned his Manchester City side to beware a Celtic backlash ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash in Glasgow tomorrow.

City head North on the back of 10 straight wins under Pep Guardiola and rated strong favourites to heap more continental woe on Brendan Rodgers' men after their 7-0 mauling by Barcelona earlier this month.

But according to Fernandinho, City ­- who by contrast started their campaign with a 4-0 breeze against Borussia Monchengladbach ­- must tread carefully to avoid embarrassment of their own.

'PAINFUL'

He said: "Of course they (Celtic) had a painful defeat for themselves and their fans, but maybe that's one of the reasons they will step on the pitch with a lot more concentration, motivated to win this game.

"So we will have to be very careful and stay very focused to not allow that to happen."

City and Barcelona have inevitably been installed as strong favourites to progress from Group 'C but Fernandinho believes the outcome of the four-team league is far from certain.

He added: "I think sometimes people say that City and Barcelona are the favourites, but I don't agree because Borussia are an excellent team and Celtic are an excellent team as well, especially when they play at home."

Big-match preview in tomorrow's Chronicle.