Donati has suffered from injury problems but believes Strachan lost faith in him following a Champions League defeat by Barcelona last season.

However, despite his complaints, and the recruitment of Willo Flood from Dundee United in January which has put him further down the pecking order, the former AC Milan player insists he is happy at Parkhead.

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

"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.

"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.

"Willo is a good player but there are so many midfield players at the club now and that makes things more difficult for me.

"But I have another two years left on my contract and I am happy at Celtic."