As some of you know from last year I spend a little time reaching out to fans of our respective European opponents to get their view the upcoming games. Being a County Antrim man myself, Cliftonville FC happens to be the easiest team for me to find fans to question. I myself am a huge Cliftonville fan and have easily been to more Reds games than Hoops games.
As it would be weird asking myself the questions I decided to reach out to another someone else. Fortunately I did not have to look outside my immediate family as my eldest brother Gary is a Co Founder of the Carnlough Reds “Culchie Army” and has been attending Reds games since he was a wee lad in the 80’s. Here are his thoughts on the game.
Prior to the draw being made, who did you want to get? and Why?
When I heard that Celtic were in the same section of the qualifying draw, they were the only team that I wanted. I would say at least 80% of Cliftonville fans are also Celtic supporters, myself included. I was ecstatic when I heard the draw. The financial boost given to Cliftonville has enabled the club to redevelop the ground and the boost it will give the players will be immense
Cliftonville Vs Celtic, what is the general consensus of the fellow reds fans?
Everyone is delighted with the draw and many fans believe that the Reds can get a positive result in the home leg. Cliftonville have been completely written off before a ball has been kicked but the fans are quietly optimistic
Tell us about two Cliftonville players Celtic should be wary off.
Liam Boyce – Without doubt a player who could make it in Great Britain. He spent some time at Werder Bremen and came back a stronger player. He has already picked up four caps for Northern Ireland. A very clever player, he has great ball control and is a fantastic finisher
Conor Devlin – The former Manchester United goalkeeper and Northern Ireland Under 21 stopper’s saves were every bit as important as Boyce’s goals during last season’s League title win for the Reds
Which Celtic player concerns you the most?
Scott Brown. I am looking forward to his midfield battles with Cliftonville duo Ryan Catney and Barry Johnston
What kind of atmosphere can Solitude generate?
The Red Army generate a fantastic atmosphere on big occasions at Solitude.
The Green Brigade will add something special on the night. Expect lots of noise and colour throughout the ground
Prediction time, who do you think will win?
2-2 draw in Belfast with Celtic going through with a nervy 3-1 victory in Glasgow after conceding the first goal
Finally, most important question, where is the best place to go for a pint?
Cliftonville Social Club will be rocking before and after the game. Cassidy’s Bar on the Antrim Road will provide revellers with food and drink or if you want a bit of pre-match live entertainment, head to the Rock Bar on the Falls Road.
Is the rock paddy mccourts pub ? Think we will win by 2 or 3 tonight and it could be a cricket score at parkhead, there’s a world of difference between the teams our bad preseason might give them hope but it means nothing the atmosphere will be great looking forward to it HH
I’ve read that there was a riot there when we played a friendly in 1985. Can anyone confirm this or have any info as to why ?? I have to say the falls road wouldn’t be my first choice right now. Be careful travelling bhoys
The riot was due to heavy policing that was unneeded and unwanted.The falls rd will be absolutely fine before and after the game.
Cheers mate. It was just a discussion I’d had with my son last week. He was gonna try and go. And to my shame I think I talked him out of it. So Dublin it is then. You can’t help worrying about your family. HH.