SCOTT BROWN has delivered the news Gordon Strachan - and every Celtic supporter - wanted to hear today.

The midfield terrier has recovered from the ankle injury which almost forced him off against Hibs at the weekend.

And, though he will be heavily strapped when he runs out at the Nou Camp tomorrow night, nothing is going to stop him taking the fight to Barcelona.

Brown was forced to miss the first leg of this Champions League last 16 tie through suspension.

It would have taken a broken leg to keep him out of the return as Celtic attempt to overhaul the 3-2 defeat from Parkhead.

Brown said here today: "I took areally heavy kick on Saturday and needed to treatment at the side of the pitch. But I'm okay now, and ready to play if selected against Barcelona.

"Nothing was going to keep me out of this one. It was very disappointing to miss the first leg.

"Everyone could see it was the world's best players out there, and they played really well and scored three goals.

"It was a nightmare having to sit and watch all the lads when you want to be out on the park helping. You see a lot more from the stands than when you are out on the park, so it's a lot harder to take.

"We played well, too, but sometimes you've got to learn not to make as many mistakes, and we'll learn from that.

"It will be a big ask, but I'm sure we will play a little better than we did at home. I just hope I'm selected."

Brown's name will be one of the first Strachan puts on his teamsheet, as his fighting spirit, energy and ability to disrupt the opposition was sorely missed in the first leg.

Brown's bookings have also been mounting in the SPL and he is just two away from a three-game ban which, if the timing is wrong, could include some of the three Old Firm games still to be played.

He is already out of next weekend's Scottish Cup tie at Aberdeen after collecting bookings against Stirling Albion and Kilmarnock.

But Brown - who was praised by Strachan for not reacting to some heavy treatment at Hibs - refuses to change his combative style.

"I wouldn't say I'll be more cautious," he said. "As the gaffer says, if there is a tackle, you have to go in and win it, and sometimes you can mis-time them. If it happens, it happens.

"But as long as it's not stupid bookings, like shouting back at the referee or kicking the ball away, I'm sure the gaffer will not mind.

"I know it's important to avoid going over the disciplinary threshold."

He has no intention of holding back tomorrow night and reckons Barca can be rattled.

He said: "Everything is possible and I'm sure we can do it."

Derek Riordan didn't travel because of a family bereavement.