O’Neill is willing to lend Healy a helping hand

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Michael O’Neill has revealed that he will help Linfield in their Champions League tie against Celtic they make it through to the second qualifying round.

The Irish League outfit, managed by ex-Rangers star David Healy (right), must first overcome San Marino side La Fiorita to set up a dream draw with the Parkhead club.

In taking on Brendan Rodgers’ Invincibles, part-timers Linfield are in line to make over £1million from the tie with UEFA prize money, gate receipts, TV revenue, advertising and merchandising.

Winners off the pitch, Linfield would be huge underdogs against Celtic on it, but they may have a secret weapon in O’Neill, who has created numerous upsets in his managerial career.

The former Hibs and Dundee United midfielder, who guided Shamrock Rovers to the group stage of the Europa League, famously led Northern Ireland to the Euro 2016 finals and has them well placed to earn a World Cup play-off. O’Neill is friendly with both Rodgers and Healy, but in his role as international boss would be content to assist the Northern Irish club in Europe. ‘If David phoned me up and asked: “How do you think I should play against Celtic”, I would try to help him any way I could,’ stated O’Neill.

‘For David Healy, it would be a special game but, knowing him, he won’t even be thinking about the Celtic match. His focus will only be on getting past the team from San Marino.

‘Sometimes Irish League sides find it difficult in their first European game but I hope and believe Linfield will get through because it would be a fantastic tie against Celtic.’