LINFIELD ARE NEXT ON THE HORIZON

LINFIELD boss David Healy last night described the thought of playing Celtic as ‘incredible’ after the Northern Irish champions finally secured their dream Champions League date with Brendan Rodgers’ men. Jordan Stewart’s late goal against La Fiorita in Belfast last week made all the difference as the visitors battled to a dreary goalless draw in San Marino to progress to the second qualification round with a 1-0 aggregate victory. ‘We are delighted to be through and to face Celtic in the next round is just incredible,’ said former Rangers striker Healy ahead of next Friday’s much-anticipated first-leg clash at Windsor Park. ‘We know how good Celtic are and how well they have been playing under Brendan. It will be like climbing Mount Everest for us, but we’re looking forward to it.’ Celtic would have fancied their chances to win the tie with ease no matter who they played, but Rodgers will relish the opportunity of a return to his native Northern Ireland. Due to security reasons, Celtic have not taken up their allocation of tickets for the trip to Belfast, much to the frustration of some supporters groups. Nevertheless, it promises to be quite an occasion and Linfield fans will be hoping their side can spring a shock against Scott Brown and Co. In sticky, humid conditions last night, Linfield had their fair share of chances in the first half through Andy Waterworth and Cameron Stewart. But they were generally in control against the part-time minnows from San Marino, who rarely looked like they could pose a big enough threat in the final third to trouble the scoresheet.