WALES star John Hartson could finally up sticks and head out of Parkhead - if he is left warming the bench - when Celtic face Blackburn Rovers in the Uefa Cup, second round, second leg at Ewood Park tonight.

"In big European games I think if the gaffer wants to go in a certain shape, then fair enough," said Hartson.

"But maybe there is room for strikers Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and me - I will be disappointed if I don't play at Blackburn Rovers," added Hartson, who will meet up with the Welsh squad on Sunday night before their Euro 2004 qualifier in Azerbaijan.

Hartson proved his worth to Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, when netting four goals against Aberdeen last week. And Hartson played against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday - but the big cup tie is where Hartson wants to be.

The big hitman, who knocked on O'Neill's door last month, to air his 'grievances' of sitting it out, said: "I have told Martin O'Neill that if I do well - then I expect to stay in the team."

Hartson said: "If I don't do well, then I can understand being out of the Celtic side. If I get in on merit, then I should stay in.

"I think Martin O'Neill could play all three of us. Play me on merit -that's all I am asking. I would be very disappointed if I wasn't playing against Blackburn on Thursday," warned Hartson.

Striking partner Chris Sutton confessed it will be hard for Celtic boss O'Neill to leave Hartson, 27, out of tonight's game, saying: "I feel I can play the dropping off role."