IT is claimed the opera is not over until the fat lady sings. If this is indeed a truth then where better for Celtic to confirm the credentials than in Milan, the home of La Scala?

Last night's 0-0 draw with AC Milan unquestionably establishes the Italians as the favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

All the same, events at Parkhead have left open a stage door of opportunity. Celtic must, clearly, improve upon the performance in the east end of Glasgow and, as it stands, will have to depend upon a potential of slackness within Milan's defence, as well as a serious lift in their own form, if they are to progress.

Essentially, and as most of the better judges of the game expected, the contrast of techniques and of the natures of the two leagues, were exposed.

Whereas AC operate in a highly competitive and technically gifted Serie A, Celtic have to contrive a game plan for Europe, which is constricted by the poverty of the SPL.

It's all very well travelling to Aberdeen, where they won 2-1 at the weekend - but it's a different matter altogether when one of the world's more accomplished teams arrive on the doorstep.

To their credit, Celtic made a genuine fist of this challenge. Although their skills were lesser, they did attempt - and often succeeded - to play the quality of passes required to make an impact on this stage.

Once the group stage of the elite club competition is over, wheat and chaff are separated and although Celtic were, mostly, the residue, they at least did provoke an argument.

Again, their little area of Glasgow proved to be insurmountable and in this statistic they should take a level of pride. The present Milan probably do not enjoy the grand reputation of their predecessors, but they do have players of outstanding quality and are regarded as major contenders to collect the trophy in May.

Celtic's response was pretty admirable. They had a clever game plan organised by the manager Gordon Strachan and, when it was all done and dusted, they managed to provide themselves with an outside chance of qualification.

Essentially, nothing better could have been expected and they will now make the journey for the return in the knowledge that even a 1-1 draw at the San Siro would suffice.

Although Milan will reckon themselves to be in a powerful position, Celtic's chances cannot be dismissed.

In a match that provided few opportunities, the Italians had the greater share of them. Truly, though, there was little to separate the sides within the killing ground of the penalty areas.

Rather, the Italians - as expected - demonstrated the superiority of their skills in the midfield area, no surprise given the proven talents of the likes of the Brazilian Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, and one who used to be closer to home, the former Rangers player Rino Gattuso.

Celtic did as well as could have been expected of them in the circumstances, Neil Lennon advancing to a more forward and aggressive position than he is used to, and young Evander Sno playing cleverly in a compelling environment.

Probably, Strachan will now regard Celtic's chances of making the last eight as faint and drifting towards obscurity, because such is the technical ability of Milan and the knowledge they have acquired through many years of high-level competition, that they do not generally succumb after an away draw.

Also, the likelihood is that they will have the awesome presence of a fit Clarence Seedorf for the return, plus strikers Filippo Inzaghi and Marco Borriello.

The one issue that might provide Celtic with a glimmer of expectation lies within Milan's supposed defensive frailties and their lack of a clinical finisher at the other end of the field.

Strachan regarded last night's contest as "a great experience" and doubtless it was for young men like Sno and Aiden McGeady, who are but apprentices in this game.

Yet they will have to grow up very quickly and the more experienced campaigners within the squad must lend an extraordinary hand of self-belief, if Celtic are to survive before what will be a capacity crowd at the San Siro, one of the most intimidating arenas in football.

And yet, their voices might still be heard if Celtic can manage to provide a virtuoso performance, if they can get it right on the night. If Milan dip beneath their awesome standards then the Fat Lady could yet be invited into the huddle at Parkhead.

An unlikely scenario, but not outwith the boundaries of possibility. Fan forum

LAST night was far from a disaster for Celtic, but it clearly illustrated the gulf in class. We had no craft in the middle of the park and no one to provide any service to the forwards. But a goal in Milan could set the cat among the San Siro pigeons. Eugene Quinn, Cathcart.

IT was men against Bhoys. McGeady's tricks are OK for the SPL but at this level he's got a long way to go. Dare I say it, we missd someone with Maloney's pace. Pistol Pete, Barlanark.

STRACHAN is right... last night was a learning curve. But we better learn fast. The Italians looked to be in third gear and Kaka was sheer class. Liz Fairlie, Rutherglen.

I'M backing Celtic to go through. Yes, Milan were the better team. And yes, they do have superior players and tactical awareness. But a Naka free kick is all we need. Tommy Bhoy, via email.