Celtic manager Gordon Strachan admits his side's Champions League last-16 draw against AC Milan has had him pining for his playing days again.
The Hoops have drawn the Italian giants for the second time in three seasons and will play at Celtic Park on February 20 before travelling to the San Siro for the return leg on 7 March.
Strachan had to undergo a hip replacement operation after a distinguished playing career with Dundee, Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United and Coventry City.
The former Coventry and Southampton boss has regularly claimed he is happy enough to be involved in management these days but wishes he could pull on his boots to face the Italians at Celtic Park.
Strachan, whose side take on Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday on Bank of Scotland Premier League business, said: 'It's exciting. This must be the only time since I have packed it in that I have thought I wouldn't mind playing in this game.
'I have not missed football at all but this is one where I wish I had a new hip.'
While the Hoops are rank outsiders to win the tournament, Strachan believes his side are equipped to overcome the Italians and reach the quarter-finals.
He said: 'I looked at our odds this morning and we were 100/1 to win it so whoever we got in the draw, we'd be the underdogs.
'What we have got is another big club to come to Celtic Park.
'We've had Benfica, Manchester United and now it's AC Milan.
'It's absolutely fantastic. It's a tie that we're all excited about. I think we've got a good chance and I'm not just saying that for the sake of it, I really do.'
Celtic defender Mark Wilson paid tribute to 36-year-old AC Milan right-back Cafu, who can still pin down a regular spot at the San Siro.
He said: 'Cafu is unbelievable, what a player. It's funny to think we'll be on the same pitch as players like him.
'He has made the right-back style his own and players all around the world try to copy him. He is fantastic to watch and a great role model to have for young guys.
'He plays the right-back position more like a right winger but it's amazing the amount of times he gets back and defends as well.'
Strachan's first Old Firm match as Celtic manager in August 2005 ended in a 3-1 defeat at Ibrox with red cards for captain Neil Lennon and midfielder Alan Thompson.
But the Celtic boss revealed the steps he took to rectify that discipline have paid dividends.
He said: 'I felt comfortable in that game until we lost our discipline.
'We made a conscious decision to do something about it and since then we have the best disciplinary record in the country.
'We've managed to stay focused in these games and not get involved in anything.'
