Celtic take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in Dublin on Saturday and for two of the Premier League side’s Irish contingent it’s set to be a special day.
Both teams have already taken part in overseas training camps and friendlies this summer, so it’s set to be an entertaining match as the squads ramp up fitness towards the end of the pre-season period.
Thousands will be at the Aviva Stadium to cheer on the Bhoys, with Wolves also expecting a strong following across the Irish Sea.
Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty, who recently re-signed for Wanderers after a spell at Atletico Madrid, is relishing the 2pm kick-off.
He said [FAI]: “For me and for my family they get to go to a game and see me because they’re not always able to get over to games in England. I know the Aviva Stadium, I know how big the pitch is, I know how hard the game is going to be, especially in pre-season.
“The atmosphere in Ireland will be great because in Ireland Wolves has quite a big fan base, and Celtic does also, so I think it will be quite a special day.”
Young Joe Hodge, who is making a first-team breakthrough at club level also can’t wait for the occasion. And he’s hoping it won’t be the last time he features at the Aviva, with a senior Ireland cap on the agenda in his future.
The 20-year-old said [FAI]: “I’m buzzing for it, can’t wait for it, to be honest. Celtic are a top side, a huge club. It should make for a good game in a class stadium.
“It’s something Jim (Crawford) speaks to us a lot about (playing senior international football), about the pathway, so many who played with the Under-21s have gone on. Evan and Will were there last October, now they have gone on and won senior caps. It’s definitely something I want to do.”
The match is being shown to Celtic TV subscribers and on the Viaplay Sport channel, so there’s plenty of opportunity for fans to tune in for this one.
It’s as big a test for the Bhoys as it is for Wolves and should really help Brendan Rodgers’ side tune-up for next weekend’s Scottish Premiership kick-off at home to Ross County.
In other news, The latest on James Forrest Testimonial ticket sales after initially slow Celtic Park uptake.
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