MASSIMO DONATI will today be asked to explain comments attributed to him in which he is critical of the way he claims he has been frozen out by Celtic boss Gordon Strachan.

The 27-year-old Italian midfielder has missed most of the season with injury, and has done nothing since his return last month to convince the Parkhead boss he should be put back into the first team.

Donati was disciplined last season for his attitude after refusing to take part in a warm- down along with the rest of the players after being an unused sub in a match.

But, a line was quickly drawn under that incident, and the management at the club believe he has been given every opportunity since to show he should be selected ahead of the other central midfield players, including Scott Brown, Paul Hartley, Barry Robson, Marc Crosas and Willo Flood.

Donati's agent claimed several clubs were lining up bids to take him back to Italy in the last transfer window, but Celtic confirmed no offer had been received.

The player's frustration has become clear. But this latest outburst, attributed to him after he turned out for the reserves in midweek - a match watched by Strachan - will do little to smooth his path to a top-team return.

Donati said: "I'm always hoping to play in the first team, but it's not been easy for me.

"Ever since the game in Barcelona this time last year - when I was substituted at half-time and we lost 1-0 - I don't think he (Strachan) has considered me a good player.

"We lost European games after that, to the likes of Aalborg and Manchester United, but none of the other players took the blame.

"He's 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'm the kind of player who likes to do his talking on the pitch. I won't be knocking on the manager's door ."

The arrival in the January window of Flood has pushed Donati - who last appeared as a sub in the Scottish Cup win over Queen's Park - even further down the pecking order.

But he does not anticipate an early exit and confirmed: "I have another two years left on my contract and I'm happy at Celtic."