Massimo Donati believes that Gordon Strachan has not given him a second chance at Celtic.
Hoops midfielder unhappy with Strachan treatment
Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati believes that manager Gordon Strachan has not given him a second chance, unlike some of his team-mates.
The 27-year-old, a £3million signing from AC Milan in July 2007, has been left out in the wilderness ever since he was hauled off at half-time in the 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last-16 clash last season.
The Italian has made just two starts in the league this term, while his appearance in the 2-1 Co-operative Cup win over Queens Park at the start of February was his first appearance since November.
And Donati feels that his manager has not treated other players, who finished bottom of their Champions League group this term, with the same disdain.
"I'm always hoping to play in the first team but it has not been easy for me," he told the
Daily Record.
"Ever since the game in Barcelona at this time last year, when I was substituted at half-time and we lost 1-0, I don't think he has considered me a good player.
Blame
"We lost European games after that, to the likes of Aalborg and Manchester United but none of the other players took the blame.
"He has given some of my team-mates a second chance but I've never had a second chance.
"I felt like I was dead after the Barcelona game. We don't communicate very much. I am the kind of player who likes to do his talking on the pitch. I won't be knocking on the manager's door or anything like that."
Donati seems to have slipped further down the pecking order at Parkhead with the arrival of Cardiff midfielder Willo Flood in January but the Italian insists he is still happy at the club.
"Willo is a good player but there are so many midfield players at the club now and that makes things more difficult for me," he added.
"But I have another two years left on my contract and I am happy at Celtic."
