Kaka threatens Celtic last-16 bid

MILAN, Italy -- AC Milan have one piece of business outstanding before traveling to Japan for the Club World Cup -- securing first place in Group D of the Champions League.

The title holders, who have already qualified for the last 16, host Scottish champions Celtic on Tuesday in a game that was brought forward a week to accommodate Milan's trip to Asia.

A draw would see Celtic through to the knockout phase of the premier European club competition for the second successive season.

But they have lost 14 out of 15 matches in the competition away from Glasgow -- their only point came in the 2004-05 season when they held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw -- and now have to contend with Kaka.

The Brazilian was voted European Player of the Year on Sunday and is looking to match his performance against Celtic last season, when his goal in extra time sent Milan to the quarterfinals.

Also in line for FIFA's world player of the year award, the 25-year-old Kaka said he wouldn't have trouble finding more motivation.

"That's a problem that doesn't exist," he said. "At the very least, I want to duplicate every victory."

Shakhtar Donetsk will be hoping he is true to his word as they bid to snatch second place -- and a knockout stage slot -- ahead of the Glasgow giants.

The Ukrainians stand third in the section, three points behind Celtic, and a victory for Mircea Lucescu's side at home to Benfica, coupled with a defeat for Gordon Strachan's team, would be Shakhtar's passport to the last 16. They have a better head-to-head record in their games against Celtic.

Defeat against the Portuguese would relegate Shakhtar to bottom in the group; send Benfica into the UEFA Cup last-32 and guarantee Celtic's Champions progress regardless of what happens at the San Siro.

Celtic's Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc knows the match in Milan could be his last before surgery.

Borus suffered a knee injury while on international duty last month and Celtic's medical staff will decide whether he needs an operation when the Glasgow giants return from Italy.

"We'll look at Artur straight after the game. It might be he'll come through the test with flying colours," said Celtic manager Strachan. "But if he hasn't got any better he'll go straight into hospital for corrective surgery."

As for Tuesday's task, he added: "I have never asked any player, any of those I have managed now or in the past, to play for a draw. To be honest, I would not know how to.

"Our attitude has got to remain the same, we will go out to play football, enjoy ourselves and try to win."

The Club World Cup, meanwhile, kicks off in Tokyo on Friday with Milan's first taste of action coming in Yokohama on Thursday December 13. E-mail to a friend