Marko Arnautovic fires warning shot at Celtic as Red Star Belgrade look to capitalise on derby day win

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Marko Arnautovic cannot wait to walk out to the sound of 50,000 fans when Red Star Belgrade face Celtic.

The Austrian, who is of Serbian descent, is a boyhood Red Star fan and finally got to sign for his beloved club in the summer.

Arnautovic rejected Celtic in 2013 and will now get the chance to go up against Brendan Rodgers and the Hoops in the Europa League.

Despite being 36, Arnautovic remains a key player for Red Star and ahead of the game at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, has revealed how he and his teammates are feeling.

• READ MORE: Celtic’s Full Europa League & UEFA Cup Record Since 2003

Red Star Belgrade full of ‘confidence’ after derby day win

Celtic and Red Star both come into the game off the back of a win. While the Bhoys beat Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, Red Star defeated fierce rivals Partizan Belgrade.

It’s those sorts of games that can give teams a real boost, and Arnautovic has warned Celtic that they will be well up for the occasion.

Speaking to the club’s social media channels, he said: “The victory in the derby gave us extra confidence and motivation, but we know well that there’s no time to rest because the match against Celtic is ahead.

“It’s important to start the Europa League competition well. It will be a match where details will decide the outcome, and that’s why we need the support from the stands like never before.”

Marko Arnautovic reveals Red Star Belgrade’s ‘greatest asset’

For Rodgers and the Celtic side, deafening crowds are not an unknown entity.

Celtic Park is a wall of noise on a European night and the trip to the Marakana will be no different.

Teams can get swallowed up in the atmosphere, and after Red Star offered free tickets to fans, Arnautovic thinks a full stadium can only benefit them.

“Marakana has always been one of Red Star’s greatest assets, and I’m sure that together we can create an atmosphere that will carry us to victory,” he continued. “I’ve always wanted to play such matches in front of a full Marakana, so I can’t wait for the game to begin and to see our fans in large numbers in the stands.”