Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admits he's Celtic mad.

Fletcher faces his boyhood idols tonight in the Champions League and said: "I grew up a Celtic fan but any allegiances go out the window when you pull on the United jersey.

"I've been in Manchester since I was 15 and they are my team. I could have signed for Celtic when I was a kid but my main focus was on coming down to England and joining Manchester United.

"A few teams wanted to sign me, including Newcastle. They were closer to home and I thought about going there.

"But at the last minute Sir Alex Ferguson reassured me how much he wanted me.

"That was all I wanted to hear and it has been a great decision."

Fletcher has been named by Ferguson as United's player of the season so far, after he was encouraged to sign a new contract.

He added: "Celtic's home record is amazing and they have made their ground a fortress.

"Their Champions League success has been built on that foundation, because they don't do so well away from home.

"It will be hard for us to get a result, as Celtic will have their fans behind them. We will need to be up for it if we want to win."