The contrast between Dublin and Belfast will be put into focus for Celtic on Friday night.
Saturday’s 9-0 win over Shamrock Rovers was played out in a party atmosphere with the hosts not too upset at being used for finishing practise by their treble winning guests.
Windsor Park on Friday will be something very different. Very. After a holiday week to allow the natives to celebrate their hatred of Catholics the last thing that they’ll be looking for is to see 10 green and white shirts pinging the ball around and celebrating a goal fest.
The build up to the match will be incredibly hyped up with barely a mention of a football game.
When Brendan Rodgers, one of the most successful football figures to come out of the six counties, revealed that he hadn’t been to Windsor Park in 30 years it explains exactly how alien the stadium is for much of the population despite it hosting the international side.
Security will be very obvious around the Celtic squad, in April Scott Brown was confronted by a gullible at Ibrox while Neil Lennon was attacked by a Hearts fans six years earlier at Tynecastle.
Anything similar on Friday involving Celtic players will burst the illusion of ‘our wee country’ as the six counties like to portray themselves.
On the park it should be a routine win for the visitors, over the two legs Celtic should be hitting double figures.
Rodgers will leave security to others, right now his entire focus is on delivering a win for Celtic fans in Ireland and beyond as he plots a return to the Champions League and visits to more welcoming venues.
DORUS DE VRIES
Unfortunately a goalkeeper is the player most vulnerable to attack in a game like this and Craig Gordon can’t be risked.
The Dutchman is Gordon’s deputy and on this occasion he needs to be called in for what should be a quiet evening on the pitch.
De Vries has been on the bench for the last nine months, 90 minutes at Windsor Park should sharpen his reflexes if he is required for more meaningful action in the near future.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Will have played in various trouble spots for Sweden and won’t be fazed by the hate mob screaming at his every move.
His experience and know how will stand the team in good stead, with the captains armband on he knows exactly what is needed on and off the park.
A goal would be welcome, four years ago he opened the scoring away to Cliftonville on route to another Champions League campaign.
JAMIE MCCART
Dedryck Boyata’s injury draws the 20 year old closer to the first team picture with Friday’s match the ideal opportunity to test his nerve and ability.
Playing alongside Erik Sviatchenko he has an experienced player to lean on but there won’t be much of an attacking threat from David Healy’s part-timers.
McCart returned from his loan spell at Inverness Caley Thistle with good reports about his time despite relegation, he needs to be ready for any eventuality with Linfield the perfect footballing debut.
ERIK SVIATCHENKO
He must take Boyata’s injury to state his claim for a regular place in central defence.
Last season he had a strong start but after the winter break he was very much second choice behind the Belgian to partner Jozo Simunovic.
If he can play his part in getting through the Champions League qualifiers his Celtic career could re-open.
EMILIO IZAGUIRRE
Has been through a few tasty experiences on duty for Honduras and won’t be put off by some cat calls from the locals.
Last season he stepped in to replace Kieran Tierney for two months and barely put a foot wrong featuring in the Champions League, picking up a Betfred Cup winners medal and enjoying a win at Ibrox.
His defensive ability is unlikely to be tested giving him the chance to charge forward and cause grief to the home defence.
CALLUM MCGRGEOR
Probably the most improved player of last season, seeing off a number of challengers to finish the season as Scott Brown’s regular partner in midfield.
He’ll know that last season will count for little when the serious action resumes but his attitude has never been in question.
Three seasons ago Ronny Deila gave him his chance, he hasn’t looked back and will want to kick on this season.
NIR BITTON
Gradually slipped out of contention last season and it’s hard to see him having a long term future under Rodgers.
While having obvious qualities they don’t quite tie in with the demands of the new manager.
This fixture could be a shop window to a move elsewhere but regardless of the circumstances he’ll have more than enough about him to keep Linfield at bay.
JONNY HAYES
The Dubliner will be desperate to show that he is worthy of a Celtic shirt and will relish the chance to get at Linfield’s part time defenders.
Rodgers has been unstinting in his praise for the former Aberdeen man, that is likely to prove more inspiring than daunting.
Opportunities like this rarely come along in a career, with the possibility of Patrick Roberts returning he’ll know that there is no bedding in time.
LIAM HENDERSON
Another player needing to impress, he is rated by Rodgers but was often crowded out of a place even on the bench last season.
Midfield places look like being at a premium again this season but Henderson only has to look at Callum McGregor to see that it is possible to play your way into the team.
His best position is still to be determined but he’s unlikely to get a choice, whenever he gets a chance he has to take it.
JAMES FORREST
Has scored in two of the pre season matches and will be looking to build on that.
This time last year he found a burst of form and fitness that no one other than Rodgers expected.
He’ll be aware of the comparisons with Patrick Roberts and although they are both different types of wingers he’ll be keen to show that he is well worth his place.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Won’t be fazed by the abuse pouring his way from the stands, he’d like nothing better than smacking in a goal or two and enjoying a corner flag celebration.
In his heart he’ll know that he is second choice striker to Moussa Dembele but that will only make him more determined.
He started last season on fire, the season before no one did more than the Griff to get past Malmo, the striker will be at full pelt to return to the Champions League.