Celtic have potentially been handed a bonus ahead of their first Champions League qualifier of the season. The Hoops were meant to play FK Sarajevo at Celtic Park in the first leg of the first round qualifier.
However, as revealed on the FK Sarajevo website, and as cited by Sky Sports, the ties have been switched, and Celtic will travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first leg on the 9th of July.
Reason for switch revealed
The reason for the switch is due to ‘administrative procedures’ Sarajevo must complete before travelling to Scotland.
The second leg will take place at Celtic Park on the 16th of July. That arrangement could work to Celtic’s benefit.
The Hoops would not have been relishing what would have been a difficult atmosphere in a second leg. Especially coming so early in the season.
Second leg should be easier now
Neil Lennon, in his first European tie as Celtic boss, would not have looked forward to that. However, the fact that the Hoops will be at home in front of a large crowd in the second leg should make things easier for the club.
Of course, how the Hoops perform on the pitch will determine how much of an advantage the fixture switch really is.
On the face of it though, this looks to be a good thing for the Hoops.
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