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It has been almost 18 years since Newcastle United last faced Celtic on the pitch, but that long-standing timeframe might soon give way to a renewed and more frequent rivalry…
Last week former Celtic captain Stephen McManus and ex-Newcastle United skipper Shay Given spoke to The Celtic Star and other fan media outlets ahead of next month’s clash between the two sides.
After securing a fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have guaranteed their place in the Champions League’s new ‘League Phase’ for 2025/26. Celtic, meanwhile, still face a difficult hurdle, with Brendan Rodgers’ men needing to navigate a two-legged play-off in August due to Scotland’s current UEFA coefficient.
Nevertheless, the former Celtic youth player and Newcastle goalkeeping icon Shay Given is openly hoping the two clubs will go head-to-head in European competition this season.
When asked whether the prospect of a Champions League encounter between the reigning Premier Sports League Cup and Carabao Cup champions excited him, he did not hesitate in his response while previewing next month’s ‘Adidas Cup’ fixture at Celtic Park: “Yes, it could be a warm-up for the ‘League Phase’, be it at St James’ Park, or here at Celtic Park,” Given said.
“Both are fantastic stadiums, and both teams have sets of fans who just adore their players, adore the club and are fanatical about watching big games. There is nothing more special than when players are lined up before a game, then the Champions League music comes on and the place is electric, be it here or at Newcastle.”
“It would set up lovely for a tie in the Champions League, and I hope it happens, actually, because it would be a special night. I think the opposition for both sets of players will be tough, and that is what you need during pre-season.”
“There is no point in having loads of easy games coming into the first game, so I think it is a big test for both sets of players.”
Conor Spence
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