Grant reveals his rage at Rapid

24 September 2009 11:09
Grant is preparing to face his old foes for the first time since the infamous European Cup Winners' Cup tie between the sides 25 years ago. Celtic celebrated winning what had been a bad-tempered last-16 clash when they beat Rapid 3-0 at Parkhead after losing the first leg 3-1. But UEFA controversially ordered the match to be replayed at a neutral venue after Rapid defender Rudolf Weinhofer pretended he had been struck by a bottle from the crowd. The Austrians won 1-0 at Old Trafford on another night where players and supporters were involved in more ugly scenes. Rapid went on to reach the final, where they lost to Everton, and Grant feels Celtic could have done just as well had they had they be allowed to progress. "We had the players who were capable at that time of going as far as they did - there's no doubt about that," he said, ahead of next Thursday's Europa League meeting between the sides. "That was sticking in the back of my throat because that was probably the furthest I'd have got in Europe." Such was the burning sense of injustice Grant felt at UEFA's decision, he took great pleasure in Rapid's final defeat. "To be fair, that night I had my Everton scarf on!" said former Hoops midfielder Grant. "Because I just didn't want it to go that way that you could be knocked out by somebody that you'd already beaten who could go on and win the tournament." However, Grant insists he no longer holds a grudge, shrugging off Rapid's decision to resurrect the all-red kit they wore 25 years ago for next week's Group C game at Parkhead. Grant was also hopeful Aiden McGeady would shake off the ankle injury he suffered in last night's Co-operative Insurance Cup third-round win at Falkirk. "We'll assess it today," he said. "Thankfully, he walked off the pitch last night."

Source: Team_Talk