Celtic

By Simon Baskett

BARCELONA, March 4 (Reuters) - Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said his side proved they can live with the elite of European football after making it as far as the first knockout round of the Champions League in successive seasons.

The Scots lost 4-2 on aggregate against Barcelona in the last 16 after a 1-0 defeat at the Nou Camp on Tuesday, the 2006 champions taking the lead in the third minute with a goal from midfielder Xavi.

Although disappointed about the early loss of concentration that led to the goal, Strachan said he was heartened by the way his side held firm against the Catalans.

"We had a plan and part of the deal was you had to tackle and we didn't get that part right on the first goal," Strachan told a news conference.

"But the second half we did very well. We were braver on the ball and although we didn't have too many chances there were some."

The former Manchester United player was confident that next season his team would be able to go a step further in the competition.

"After watching last year's game at AC Milan and these ones against Barcelona I do believe we can get to the last eight if we allow this team to develop and we add some players to this squad," he said.

"I'm sure the players will sit down and reflect on the two games against Barcelona who can potentially be the winners of this tournament

"They now know the secret of playing against big sides. Sometimes there is too much thinking and you have to trust yourself and play from the heart."