Lustig expects tough test at Linfield but belief high
● Nine-goal friendly rout in Dublin sets Celtic up nicely for Euro qualifier in Belfast
“Of course we are going to miss the fans. But we have also played away games in the past where the home crowd are really noisy so it will be okay”
MIKAEL LUSTIG
SHAMROCKROVERS 0 CELTIC 9 Lustig 10, Armstrong 23, 69, Dembele 28, Sinclair 41, 66,
Mikael Lustig believes Celtic are in for a tough test when they face Northern Irish champions Linfield in the Champions League second qualifying round on Friday afternoon.
Lustig played out the full 90 minutes of the friendly 9-0 annihilation of Dublin club Shamrock Rovers, more a training ground run-out for Lustig and company than what awaits in Belfast.
“It is going to be really hard,” explained Lustig, pictured below. “There have been games in the past when we have struggled but everyone knows we just need to make sure the result goes our way. It’s always difficult. Last season, we didn’t play our best football in Astana away, Gibraltar away or Be’er Sheva as well. But as long as we get the result we are happy. And I think we are more ready this year than last time around.
“Last year, the gaffer was new. He didn’t yet know exactly where he wanted to play all the players. Now he knows us better and we know him better. That should help us.”
Celtic came undone in the second qualifying round 12 months ago, losing the first leg to Gibraltar semi-professional side Lincoln Red Imps 1-0 before recording a 3-0 victory in Celtic Park.
Brendan Rodgers’ side should have more than enough to see off Linfield. Lustig, however, can expect an extremely hostile atmosphere in Belfast where his side will have to do without any supporters. “It will be unusual” smiled Lustig. “Especially as when we play in domestic football, either home or away, we always have a really good support.
“Of course we are going to miss the fans. But we have also played away games in the past where the home crowd are really noisy so it will be okay.
“I don’t think I have ever played in game before without any fans behind us. It will be something different.”
Jonny Hayes also showed no concerns ahead of their trip to Belfast. The £1.3 million man from Aberdeen landed his first goal for the Scottish champions in Dublin on Saturday afternoon having been introduced in the second half.
“It’s just another game,” declared the Republic of Ireland international of the Linfield game.
“Everywhere we go, teams are going to want to beat us. So it’s going to be hard. No matter who we play against they will be up for it.”
Hayes made his introduction for James Forrest, who lost his place in the league run-in to Paddy Roberts, though started in the demolition of Shamrock Rovers.
Hayes was quick to heap praise on Forrest. “I played against James for a number of years. Since I’ve come in, I’ve seen how well he’s done in training. There is competition with Gary as well, ” he said.
“There is competition for a place. I knew what I was coming into, I knew I wasn’t going to play straight away and that I was in a bigger squad.”
“A lot of people talk about Paddy Roberts and forget what James did,” continued Lustig after Forrest’s exciting display in the Dublin sun.
“For me, I think James was probably one of our best players up until the winter time.
“Now he is looking really sharp.
“Everyone knows that when he is on his game he is one of the best wingers in Britain.”