Champions League

Jamie McGovern: 'Cliftonville can shock Celtic'

By Liam Power, Reporter | 16 July 2013

Cliftonville are capable of causing a huge shock against Celtic in tomorrow night's Champions League qualifier in Belfast, according to defender Jamie McGovern.

Cliftonville defender Jamie McGovern has insisted that the Northern Irish outfit are capable of testing Celtic tomorrow night, when the two sides contest a Champions League second-round qualifying tie.

Neil Lennon's side are heavy favourites to progress in the two-legged qualifier, which begins with the first leg in Belfast tomorrow night.

McGovern believes that the part-timers possess enough spirit to give the Scottish Champions a fright, drawing inspiration from the Hoops' shock victory over Barcelona in the competition last season.

He told Sky Sports News: "I would say that Cliftonville is known for the football but we can put our foot in where it hurts when it matters.

"It is a game to go down in history. If Celtic can beat Barcelona, why can't Cliftonville beat Celtic? As you say, the big name stars are coming, thinking that possibly they are in for an easy night but I am sure a few of the lads will say differently to that.

"I am not a Celtic fan as such but there are a few die-hards in our team and for them it is going to be a massive night. Anything can happen in the 90 minutes. I think we are ready."

Celtic will be without a number of first-team regulars due to injury for the tie at Solitude, including Gary Hooper, Charlie Mulgrew and Joe Ledley.