LINFIELD are trying not to think too much about the prospect of a Champions League tie against Celtic. It is like attempting to get a child to finish their greens when they can see the giant slice of chocolate cake that awaits them for dessert.
The Northern Irish champions must first take care of La Fiorita in the first qualifying round but it has been difficult not to look beyond that clash and ahead to what would be a lucrative tie against Celtic.
Given the side from San Marino have lost all 10 of their European matches to date – scoring just one goal – it is probably not being hugely disrespectful or overly complacent for Linfield to do so.
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The first leg tie against Celtic was initially slated to be played on July 12 – a significant date during the Northern Ireland marching season – but the preferred option now is to play it the day before with an early kick-off.
“From a football point of view it is fantastic,” said Roy McGivern, the Linfield chairman. “I had lunch with Celtic’s representatives after the draw and we’ve had initial discussions about the games.
“Obviously we have a two-legged tie against La Fiorita first and we won’t get ahead of ourselves, but with the second qualifying round so soon after, it is vital be start thinking about arrangements now for a potential blockbuster tie.
“We’ve also had a chat with UEFA and we had ruled out July 12 for obvious reasons, purely from a practical point of view.
“Our preference is to play the home leg first, for financial reasons that’s obvious the best thing for us. At this stage the first-leg would be on July 11, potentially with an early kick-off but there are discussions going on at home now with the PSNI [Police Service of Northern Ireland] to see how that would be managed.
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“That is the preferred option at the moment but there have been no discussions about switching the games at all. Celtic are relaxed about it and they seem happy enough to play in Belfast on July 11.
“And I’m sure we’ll be able to bring a big crowd to Glasgow, which would be a trip of a lifetime for our fans.”
Linfield hope the home leg could be televised, as was the case four years ago when Cliftonville took on Celtic.
“I’m sure a live TV deal will be discussed, too,” added McGivern. “I don’t remember the last time one of our European ties was on live. It really is a terrific draw. We have two very important games before a potential tie with Celtic but it is the best draw would could have hoped for.
“They were the top team in the draw, they’ve had a tremendous season and of course there is the Brendan Rodgers factor, too. It’s incredible.”
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One Celtic fans group, however, felt the club should not take any tickets for the away leg. “One phrase you will have heard all your life about Belfast in July is “tensions run high”,” said Paul Brennan of the Celtic Quick News site.
“Communities spend months preparing enormous bonfires, while ancient observances are carried out. It is not possible for Celtic to play against Linfield under normal conditions without jeopardising the welfare of our travelling support.
“Too many people would be vulnerable in too many places. We should decline tickets for the away game and politely inform Linfield they should do likewise – don’t think for a second it would be only Linfield fans who would pitch up at Celtic Park for the return game.”
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