Stafford relishing ‘match of his life’

LINFIELD defender Mark Stafford is relishing the “unbelievable” prospect of facing Celtic strikers Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths.

The 29-year-old did the Irish League club proud in the first leg of the second qualifying round Champions League tie at Windsor Park with a resolute performance at the back helping to keep the score down to 2-0.

More of the same will be required in Glasgow with Brendan Rodgers’ men intent on going through the gears and winning in much more convincing fashion in the return.

“To be facing players like Dembele and Griffiths is unbelievable for me,” said Stafford.

“Playing against strikers of that calibre is not what I’m used to but it is a great experience.

“They are obviously two top strikers but Celtic have quality all over the pitch. This isn’t just any Celtic side.

“They won the Treble in Scotland last season and went undefeated throughout.

“But for us this tie is the experience of a lifetime and a challenge we are all looking forward to.”

Linfield sat deep at Windsor Park in a bid to try and frustrate the Hoops. The same tactics are certain to be employed at Celtic Park.

“We’ll have a game plan and will try to stick to it as best we can and be competitive,” added Stafford.

“We know we are playing against full-time professionals at the top of their game but we will give it our best shot.”

While Stafford will be in for a busy evening, fellow defender and huge Rangers supporter Matthew Clarke is gutted to be missing out on the match at Parkhead.

Clarke suffered a nasty knee injury in Friday night’s first leg after colliding with team-mate Stafford when attempting to block a James Forrest effort.

Stretchered off, the 23-year-old required nine stitches. Even more painful was the knowledge that he wouldn’t be playing at Celtic’s home ground.

Linfield boss David Healy said: “It was a freak accident

“Matthew is devastated that he will miss out because he is a massive Rangers fan.

“I’m disappointed that he will not get the chance to run out at Celtic Park.”

Linfield were planning to arrive in Glasgow today on the eve of the second leg, but pitched up in the city yesterday after Rangers agreed that they could train at Murray Park on Monday and Tuesday before tomorrow’s match.