A British police delegation will accompany Celtic for their Europa League trip to St Petersburg.

The Hoops were drawn against Zenit in the last 32 earlier this week after dropping into the competition from the Champions League. 

Brendan Rodgers' side host Roberto Mancini's side in the first leg before travelling to Russia for the return match on 22 February.

A spokesperson for the British Embassy in Moscow told Sky Sports News on Thursday that they won't be alone, as British police officers will travel with the squad as part of preparations for the 2018 World Cup. 

Russian police will also attend English games ahead of the tournament, with delegations already visiting Manchester United and Liverpool for Champions League games against CSKA Moscow and Spartak Moscow respectively last week. 

"A Russian police delegation will visit other football matches in England next year in the run up to the 2018 World Cup," the spokesperson said.

"We are currently coordinating the dates and the programme of the visits. A British police delegation will be travelling to Russia as well, for instance for the UEFA Europa League match between Zenit St. Petersburg and Celtic.

"A Russian police delegation met with representatives of the UK Football Policing Unit to discuss tactics and exchange ideas on how best to police England fans.

"Together they identified a number of areas where they will have further conversations around best practices and useful information for England supporters, both about the World Cup venues and travelling safely around Russia."