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Dinamo Moscow's Luke Wilkshire In For 'A Hell Of A Time' In Champions League Qualifier - Celtic's Scott McDonald

There will be no quarter given as the two Australians lock horns in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Jul 27, 2009 1:28:41 AM

SPL: Scott McDonald , Hearts - Celtic (PA)

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SPL: Scott McDonald , Hearts - Celtic (PA)

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Celtic striker Scott McDonald says that his international team-mate, Luke Wilkshire, will be in for a “hell of a time” when his Dinamo Moscow outfit travel to Parkhead for their UEFA Champions League qualifier on Wednesday.

Wilkshire has thrived with the Russian club since joining them last year, quickly establishing himself in the Dinamo first-team after spells with Bristol City and FC Twente.

He will now travel to Glasgow for the third qualifying round of the Champions League, with the winner heading into a two-legged play-off for a place in the financially lucrative group stages.

In his and Moscow’s way will be the familiar figure of Australia striker McDonald, who told Scotland On Sunday that no pleasantries will be extended to his compatriot.

"I won't be giving too much away to him but I'm sure he will be in for a hell of a time at Parkhead,” McDonald said.

"For me this is a Champions League game, even though I know it's technically a qualifier.

"It's top European opposition we are playing and these are the games you want to be recognised as the man who helps you qualify.

“Wednesday will go a long way to deciding if we are good enough to go through [to the play-off round]."

McDonald has an impressive track record for Celtic in the Champions League, as well as having been generally prolific for the Hoops since joining from Motherwell two seasons ago.

This season he will be playing under a new manager following the departure of Gordon Strachan from the club and the arrival of former West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray, whom McDonald says has brought his characteristic attacking philosophy to the club.

He added, "There is a bit more freedom. He likes to play attacking football, not too dissimilar to the old manager, but there is a sense of taking more risks.

"It is interesting and exciting and you can see the progress already in only a few games."

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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