IRELAND’S EURO 2016 clash against Scotland will be a unique occasion and one worth savouring, defender Stephen Ward said.
Travelling Irish fans are expected to be vastly outnumbered in Celtic Park on Friday night after receiving an official allocation of just 3,000 tickets out of 60,000.
Thousands more have bought tickets in the ‘home’ sections, raising fears of trouble if Scottish and Irish fans are in close proximity.
“The rivalry between Scotland and Ireland has been fairly friendly over the years,” Ward said.
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“I don’t think there’s too much tension. I think the atmosphere will be really unique and one to savour.
“It’s going to be a great occasion and I think both sets of fans and players alike will really be looking forward to it.”
Ward in a rainy Malahide today. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Ward returned to training today after sitting out Tuesday’s session in Malahide. The Burnley defender has been carrying an ankle injury since the draw in Germany, but insisted that he is fully fit after his recovery day.
All going well, he’s looking forward to lining out at the famous Parkhead venue for the second time in his career.
“I played once in pre-season friendly — I think there was about 30,000 people there!
It’s a very special place and I think any Irish person going there will tell you how special it is to them.
Comments on Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy’s decision to play for Ireland rather than the country of their birth have added fuel this week to what always expected to be a fiery clash.
Ward expects both to be able to handle whatever hostile reception awaits them.
I’m sure they’ve got booed before. Aiden’s played in Old Firm games, James has played in derby games so it will be nothing new to any player.
“It will be a special occasion, special atmosphere. I’m sure they will savour it as much as anyone else.
“It’s one to look forward to. The two sets of fans are up there with some of the best in the world. I’m sure it will be a really special night.”
Celtic Park atmosphere will be one to savour, not to fear - Ward
IRELAND’S EURO 2016 clash against Scotland will be a unique occasion and one worth savouring, defender Stephen Ward said.
Travelling Irish fans are expected to be vastly outnumbered in Celtic Park on Friday night after receiving an official allocation of just 3,000 tickets out of 60,000.
Thousands more have bought tickets in the ‘home’ sections, raising fears of trouble if Scottish and Irish fans are in close proximity.
“The rivalry between Scotland and Ireland has been fairly friendly over the years,” Ward said.
“I don’t think there’s too much tension. I think the atmosphere will be really unique and one to savour.
“It’s going to be a great occasion and I think both sets of fans and players alike will really be looking forward to it.”
Ward returned to training today after sitting out Tuesday’s session in Malahide. The Burnley defender has been carrying an ankle injury since the draw in Germany, but insisted that he is fully fit after his recovery day.
All going well, he’s looking forward to lining out at the famous Parkhead venue for the second time in his career.
“I played once in pre-season friendly — I think there was about 30,000 people there!
Comments on Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy’s decision to play for Ireland rather than the country of their birth have added fuel this week to what always expected to be a fiery clash.
Ward expects both to be able to handle whatever hostile reception awaits them.
“It will be a special occasion, special atmosphere. I’m sure they will savour it as much as anyone else.
“It’s one to look forward to. The two sets of fans are up there with some of the best in the world. I’m sure it will be a really special night.”
Have you a ticket for Scotland v Ireland? Where are you sitting?
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Celtic Clash Celtic Park Euro 2016 Qualifiers Stephen Ward Ireland Republic Scotland