Surprise package

Linfield could have a secret weapon on their side if they play Celtic in the Champions League – Michael O’Neill.

The Northern Ireland boss lives in Edinburgh and watches Scottish football regularly. And he says if Blues boss David Healy wants any advice on the Hoops he will provide it.

O’Neill said: “If David asked ‘how do you think I should play against Celtic’ I would try and help.

“It would be a special game for him but he won’t even be thinking about Celtic just now. His focus will only be on beating the San Marino team.”

O’Neill has previous in Europe after leading Dublin side Shamrock Rovers to the Europa League group stage and taking Northern Ireland to the Euro 2016 finals.

He has a close relationship with Healy but also has a bond with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers. And he feels the Hoops chief will want to make the Parkhead side a real force in Europe.

He said: “Brendan will want to repeat the club’s domestic success of last season but his focus now will be to make Celtic more competitive in Europe.”