Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Absent fans no worry to Gordon
CRAIG Gordon believes Celtic will retain their Champions League focus even if their fans are absent against Linfield at Windsor Park.
The Parkhead club declined tickets for the first leg of the second qualifier in Belfast amid security concerns.
The match was moved to this evening instead of July 11-12 as initially planned so it did not clash with Orange Order parades.
However, Gordon insists the Scottish treble-winners will look to take the first step towards European football’s premier club competition regardless of whether or not they have any backing.
The Scotland keeper said: “I don’t think it will make that much difference. We will be fully focused on the job we have to do on the pitch, and whatever goes on in the stands, we will not be focusing on that and we will go out and play the game to try to win and get an advantage to take into the second-leg.”
Windsor Park will be less than half-full for the visit of Brendan Rodgers’ side but boss of the Northern Irish champions, David Healy, a former Rangers striker, had a message for the home fans.
“Enjoy the game, enjoy the occasion,.” he said. “It might be the only chance the fans get to see Celtic. So enjoy it, embrace it, do it the proper Linfield way.
“Linfield over the years have made great strides on and off the pitch so they should enjoy it.
“I would urge the fans, be patient, get behind t he players and, hopefully, these guys will do us proud.”