Cliftonville lose out to the hoops
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.
