AC Milan skipper Paolo Maldini is relishing the challenge of playing at Parkhead despite Celtic's impressive home record in the Champions League.

The Italian giants face the Hoops in Glasgow tomorrow in the first leg of Celtic's first last-16 tie in the tournament.

The Bhoys have lost just one out of 12 Champions League group games — against Barcelona — in front of their fervent support at Celtic Park.

Milan had to settle for a goalless draw in the east end of Glasgow two years ago, but Maldini does not fear playing in front of 60,000 passionate Hoops fans.

Maldini said: "It's one of the nicest places to play. I played here two years ago and the intensity of the crowd was amazing."

The 38-year-old also has no qualms about facing Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink if the Dutch striker overcomes a hamstring problem.

The Dutch hitman won and drew against the Rossoneri in the Champions League last season while playing for PSV Eindhoven.

Maldini said: "He's a player that is very difficult to challenge, especially at high balls. He put us under pressure when he used to play at PSV but we think we have the weapons to tackle him."