Cliftonville slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to The New Saints at Solitude yesterday.
With both sides eleven days away from Champions League qualifiers the friendly was the perfect opportunity to step up match fitness.
The New Saints, who play in green and white hoops, will face Legia Warsaw in European action, with Cliftonville looking forward to the biggest game in their history as they welcome Neil Lennon’s side to town.
This week UEFA will decide whether a temporary stand can be constructed at Solitude with all tickets for next Wednesday’s match already sold out.
Cliftonville manager Tommy Breslin said: “Celtic are very popular here as indeed they are worldwide but the demand for tickets has been enormous.
“Normally when we play in Europe, there are a couple of hundred people, so it has been unreal.
“That was our first game and we’ve only had five training session and still have a few players on holiday.
“I won’t be watching Celtic personally because they are over in Germany now so we wouldn’t have an opportunity.
“But the matches are on TV so we will get a detailed report.”
The match at Solitude has captured the attention of Celtic fans everywere with thousands expected to travel to Belfast to watch the game on television and enjoy local hospitality.
As far away as Thailand the game has got supporters talking with the Thai Tims recording a song to celebrate the clash between the two clubs.
Last year during their visit to Scotland the Thai Tims made a visit to Belfast where they were given a civic reception.
I want Celtic in the Champions league every season just to hear the next Thai Tims’ song. What a joy in a currently depressing world.
H H
couldn’t agree with you more
HH
Can’t wait for this find out tomorrow if I’ve got a ticket HH
Thai Tims are brill bring so much joy to our boring game hh
loved the new thai tims song like all there others. as a support we’re lucky to have them .a joy and inspiration to all.
re the reds game tho. disappointed they were’nt offered the option of casement park.croke park answered irelands call.ulster gaa couldnt do the same for the people
Regarding the friendlies I am of the Jock Stein school of thought – Win everything and build confidence.
THAILAND ROVERS
They came from Thailand to see The Celts
And the thats the part where their hearts melt
Coz they hadn’t seen a side so good before….
and now they’ll support the Celts for evermore
CHORUS
And it’s so forever
They’re are Tims by the score
We are aaawwll just family
The Hoops we adore
They have been adopted
by our family
It grows and it grows into infinity
With Peter at the helm
and a club thats well run
and do not forget the prodigal son
His name is Neil Lennon
and him we adore
So lets all you Thai Tims
síng this song once more
CHORUS
…..Sorry family got a wee bit sentimental …….and pi#*ed there
I a wee bit of experience with the love the game BUT currently the team has been off balance Mr Lennon please play the young team more you know them Darned e.t.c
Well done Andy Murray ..
Scottish Not British wee man.. Stick your union jack up you’re arse holes .. Ya free Ireland, british unionist hypocrite fannies ..
Mon the hoops!
was up @ 8.00 am 4 tickets well worth the wait hail hail.