BLACKBURN winger Damien Duff today vowed to make Charlie Nicholas eat his words when Rovers meet Celtic in the UEFA Cup later this month.

Nicholas stoked the fire ahead of the eagerly-awaited Battle of Britain by claiming that Celtic would have been disappointed not to draw a bigger team in the second round of the competition yesterday.

But Duff - a self-confessed Celtic fan - plans to shove those comments down the throat of the former Scotland striker by masterminding the downfall of his childhood heroes.

"I've noticed over the years that Charlie always comes out with an out-of-the-ordinary quote so I don't know what he's trying to do there," said Duff.

"But we are a big club, I think we've proved that over the last couple of years by getting back into the Premiership and winning the League Cup, so this is a huge game and I wouldn't mind what he says.

"Obviously, they're either winners or runners-up every year in the league up there but it's a strong league down here and I think we can go up there and more than hold our own."

Duff and the rest of the Irish contingent at Ewood were delighted when yesterday's draw in Geneva paired the two clubs together.

When he was growing up in Ireland, Celtic were the team he supported as a boy and the Republic of Ireland international is relishing the chance to cross swords with them in a tie which is certain to attract massive media interest.

"Personally, I think it's brilliant. This is a boyhood dream for me and for many of the Irish lads here," said Duff.

"When I heard the draw I was over the moon. We were just out here playing head tennis when a couple of the lads shouted it out and I thought they were winding me up at first.

"But it's a great draw and everyone's buzzing about it. I've followed Celtic from the moment I got into football, as every young Irish lad does.

"But I'm desperate to go up there and beat them and get through to the next round.

"All the Irish lads made the trip up there last season for one of the Old Firm games which was a great experience so we are all looking forward to going there again.

"Obviously, I think they are probably the hardest team we could have had out of the pot but that's the type of game we want."

With Celtic desperate to prove their Premiership credentials, the atmosphere for the first leg in Glasgow is sure to be hostile, particularly considering Graeme Souness's previous connections with Rangers.

But Rovers showed they can handle an intimidating atmosphere in Sofia last week and Duff believes that will act as the perfect dress rehearsal.

"I don't think it will be as bad as Sofia. That was incredible over there - totally different to anything you get in Great Britain. But it should be a great experience at Celtic Park.

"It's going to be a big game, especially for the gaffer and Phil Boersma with them being former Rangers lads so we are all looking forward to it. It's playing in Europe and every game is a pleasure, really.

"It was a great experience in Sofia last week and everyone who was there knows it was a great atmosphere and that's brilliant for all the young lads to be involved in games like that.

"It was just great to get through and now we've got another great tie to look forward to."