DECEMBER 9, 2004 was the last time Martin O’Neill led his Celtic team out in Europe against AC Milan.
Fast forward almost 21 years and the 73-year-old will once again have the honour when they face Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Hoops boss has started his interim period in charge in fine fashion, with a 4-0 win over Falkirk as well as leading the club to the Premier Sports Cup final at the expense of fierce rivals Rangers.
Thursday promises to be another intriguing battle with the Danes, who are leading the way with three straight wins in the competition and defeated Hibs in a Europa League qualifier.
O’Neill says he’s only in charge of the Hoops for the short term while they find a successor to Brendan Rodgers.
But another victory in Denmark may just increase the likelihood of him staying around for longer – with O’Neill now the bookies favourite to get the job permanently.
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Midtjylland, who are in good form themselves and haven’t been beaten at home since March when they lost 2-0 to Brondby, are also under new management.
Thomas Thomasberg was sacked at the end of August despite a 17-game unbeaten run and replaced by former Hearts loanee Mike Tullberg.
His 12 games in charge have seen him pick up nine wins, while a 1-1 draw with Superliga leaders Aarhus on Monday night maintained their grip on second place.
Midtjylland have three wins from three in the group stages after victories over Strum Graz, Nottingham Forest and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
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Celtic are in 21st place after picking up just four points from three games. Their last match saw them secure a 2-1 win over Sturm Graz.
What time does Midtjylland v Celtic kick-off?
- Celtic take on Midtjylland on Thursday, November 6
- The match kicks off at 5.45pm (UK time)
- It’ll be held at the MCH Arena, Herning
- Serbia official Nenad Minakovic is the referee
What TV Channel is Midtjylland v Celtic on and can I live stream it?
- Midtjylland v Celtic is live on TNT Sports
- Coverage gets underway at 5pm on TNT Sports 2
- Subscribers can live stream the game via the discovery+ app
- You can also keep up to date on all the action on the SunSport matchday blog
Team news
Celtic will be without the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Alistair Johnston (Hamstring) and Kelechi Iheanacho (Hamstring).
It was hoped that Johnston and Iheanacho would return in time, but interim boss O’Neill has confirmed neither will make the showdown.
Long-term absentee Jota is nearing closer to a return from his cruciate knee injury but it probably won’t be until after the New Year.
The injury to Carter-Vickers has opened up a space for Callum Osmand in the team, who has been registered in place of the American.
Johnny Kenny is expected to lead the line again after scoring against Falkirk and Rangers.
Midtjylland will be forced to contend with several absences, as Ovie Ejeheri, Edward Chilufya, and Adam Gabriel are all unavailable due to injury.
Despite these setbacks, the team’s primary threat remains Franculino Dju. The striker‘s stellar form—which includes 16 goals in 18 matches across all competitions—makes him the player most likely to make an impact on Thursday.
Latest odds
Midtjylland – 21/20
Draw – 5/2
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Celtic – 9/4
Odds from oddschecker correct as of 6pm on Wednesday, November 5.
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