Mikael Lustig knows what to expect when Sweden open their Euro 2016 campaign against Ireland in Paris- a party among Celtic fans.
The full-back has picked up five league winners medals since joining the hoops from Rosenborg with his family quickly settling into life in Glasgow.
At the age of 29 and having played in Euro 2012 Lustig will be one of the most experienced players on the pitch when Ireland and Sweden clash on June 11.
The Paris clash is sure to be fast and furious as both sides look to get off to a flier with Lustig looking forward to a unique experience.
“We’ll see if Ireland try to keep it on the ground or play a bit more ‘British’ football down the channels, but for sure it’s going to be a brilliant atmosphere,” he told The Herald, Dublin.
“It’s going to be a party, I know that some Celtic fans love Ireland more than Scotland, and they are probably going to cheer for Ireland in the Euros. There’s a real strong bond between the Celtic fans and Ireland.”
O’Neill will watch Sweden host Wales tomorrow night as the build up to Euro 2016 gets closer and closer.
Friendlies at this stage of the build up offer give little indication about what will unfold in France with Ireland arriving on the back of a home defeat from Belarus.
James McCarthy will be a key figure in the Irish side with the fitness of the former Hamilton midfielder the big issue as the clock ticks down to the June 11 opener in Paris.
Asked if he will be ready to face the Swedes McCarthy said: “Yes, I should be fine. I’ve trained with the team the last couple of days and hopefully now I can step it up. It’s obviously good to be back training again with the squad and hopefully now I can kick on and step up the fitness.”
