Joe Ledley looking to lead by example against Juventus in Turin

Ledley celebrates scoring at St Mirren Park.SNS Group

Joe Ledley hopes his recent performances will earn him a starting place in Turin as Celtic look to overturn a 3-0 scoreline against Juventus.

The Welshman was not named in the starting line-up for the first leg in the Champions League last-16 clash, but scored against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.

Celtic will need some inspiration to topple the Italian giants, and the stand-in skipper is looking to lead by example on Wednesday night.

Ledley said: "Hopefully I will be starting on Wednesday and we look forward to it.

"It is a fantastic arena and a fantastic team to play against and you just never know in football, anything can happen.

"The first half is going to be key and if we get 1-0 up then you never know.

"We know it is going to be difficult because they have been brilliant this season, we just need to, hopefully, get a good start."

Ledley is back on form after scoring in the Scottish Cup quarter-final, adding to his double against Dundee last week.

Now the Wales international is hopeful of signing a new contract.

He said: "There is no progress at the moment (on contract talks) but it is a fantastic club, I am enjoying playing here in front of fantastic fans and hopefully I can extend my stay.

"But for the moment I just want to concentrate on football. We will get this season over and done with and hopefully we will sort something out.

"I am just glad to be back playing. I was unlucky at the start of the season through injury but my groin is not affecting me at the moment."

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