DE VRIES ON EURO MISSION

DORUS DE VRIES is determined to wipe out the memory of his Nou Camp nightmare.

The Celtic keeper had the European debut from hell when Barcelona, with Lionel Messi claiming a hat-trick, fired seven behind him the Champions League encounter last season.

Now the 37-year-old Dutchman has the opportunity on Thursday night to shut out Zenit St Petersburg in the first leg of the Europa League last-32 encounter to atone for the Catalan catastrophe.

De Vries will face the Russians after taking over from Craig Gordon, who has been sidelined with a knee injury for at least another 10 weeks.

The former Nottingham Forest shotstopper said: “Barcelona were exceptional on the night. Everything went for them. It seemed like shooting practice at times.

“But that is part of being a team, it is part of being a goalie.

“You learn from it, you go on, make sure you keep on going mentally and prepare yourself for the next game.

“Of course, you are always looking to rectify certain stuff and be better in the next game.

“You learn from every opponent in every game whether you win, lose or draw. You always try to take the positives, look at the negatives and see what you can learn.

“That counts for Barcelona or Partick Thistle. It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t change.

“You want to perform and you want to win, if you don’t win, don’t lose. And if you lose, you see what to learn.”

De Vries added: “European nights are special. I have to say every game here is special and I mean that.

“Our home support is magnificent. But the big games and the atmosphere is incredible. I’ve had family and friends here who have said the same thing.”