Celtic return to the European stage this week with a trip to Denmark to face FC Midtjylland.
The Hoops beat Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final last weekend to back up their win against Falkirk in the league.
As for Europe, Celtic defeated Sturm Graz in their last Europa League fixture, which would also happen to be Brendan Rodgers’ final game at Celtic Park as the club’s manager.
Midtjylland have been very impressive in Europe so far this season, winning all three of their games, including an away win against a Nottingham Forest side who were managed by Ange Postecoglou at the time.
Ahead of Thursday’s game, here are four facts about FC Midtjylland.
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Why FC Midtjylland have a wolf on their badge
Formed in 1999, FC Midtjylland have a wolf on their badge, with supporters also known as ‘The Wolves’ (Ulvene).
The wolf is because the Jutland peninsula, where the club is based, was home to wolves roughly two centuries ago.
There are no wild wolves left in Denmark, with the tales largely coming from folklore.
FC Midtjylland is a merger club
Midtjylland were formed by the merger of two clubs in the area.
Herning Fremad and Ikast FS joined together to form the professional side in 1999 but interestingly, the two clubs that formed one professional side still have their amateur and youth sides.
This is quite a common theme in Denmark where sides join together to form one professional club but continue to operate separately at youth level.
Former Celtic player began his career at FC Midtjylland
There aren’t many players who have represented both sides, but the most notable has to be centre-back Erik Sviatchenko.
He started his career with Midtjylland and made over 100 appearances, scoring 11 goals before signing for the Hoops in January 2016.
Sviatchenko’s first goal for Celtic came against Rangers in a 2-2 draw and he was always a reliable option whenever he was called upon.
After his Celtic career came to an end, the centre-back then returned to Midtjylland.
FC Midtjylland employ a kicking coach
In the world of data-driven stats and new-found coaching roles, Midtjylland have one of the more bizarre roles.
The club have a kicking coach, like they do in rugby, who is employed to improve the technique of the youngsters and up and coming academy stars.
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