Ghost stadium awaiting Celtic in Kazakhstan
The match has been switched to the 30,000 capacity national stadium, the Astana Arena, which is 200 km away from Karagandy.
Yesterday just 3,000 fans watched the top of the table clash between Astana and Shakhter Karagandy which the visitors won 2-1 to draw level with Astana in second place, three points behind leaders Aktobe.
Less than half that amount are expected for Tuesday’s Champions League play-off tie.
Garry Parker watched yesterday’s game and will bring Neil Lennon upto speed with Karagandy after Celtic arrived in Kazakhstan this morning.
Celtic flew out from Aberdeen at 6pm yesterday with Lennon leaving nothing to chance ahead of the most important games of the season.
The recovery day on Sunday is going to be really important after the game and after the flight,” the Celtic boss explained. “We will probably bring our own water and we may bring our own chef to make sure the food is OK as well but by all accounts where we are going is quite Westernised.
“It’s just a question of keeping the guys as fresh as we can. There’s going to be a big time difference and a long flight. So getting them up and about on the Sunday is going to be important.”
While Celtic adapt for their game on Tuesday night Karagandy will face the same issues when they visit Glasgow next week.
Close to 60,000 fans are expected for the return match with Lennon confident that Celtic can take advantage of those factors next week.
“I’m not convinced they will travel well,” the Celtic boss added. “If we’re in the tie coming back then we’ll have a chance of qualification. They’ve got to come here and I think home advantage, with everything to play for, we’ll be heavy favourites if the tie is tight.”