DECEMBER 9, 2004 was the last time Martin O’Neill led his Celtic team in Europe against AC Milan.
Fast forward almost 21 years and the 73-year-old will do the honors again on Thursday when they take on Midtjylland in the Europa League.
The Hoops boss has started his interim period well fashionwith a 4-0 win about Falkirk and led the club to the final of the Premier Sports Cup, at the expense of fierce rivals Rangers.
Thursday promises to be another intriguing battle with the Danes, who lead the way with three consecutive victories in the competition and defeated Hibs in a Europa League qualifier.
O’Neill says he will only be in charge of the Hoops for the short term as long as they find a successor to Brendan Rodgers.
But another win Denmark could increase the chances of him staying longer – with O’Neill now the bookmakers’ favorite to take the title function permanent.
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Midtjylland, who are in good form themselves and have not yet been defeated At home have also been under new management since March, when they lost 2–0 to Brondby.
Thomas Thomasberg was sacked at the end of August despite a 17-match unbeaten run and replaced by former Hearts loanee Mike Tullberg.
He has recorded nine wins in his 12 games in charge, while a 1-1 draw against Superliga leaders Aarhus on Monday evening 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 gaining just four points from three games. In their last match they achieved a 2-1 victory over Sturm Graz.
What time does Midtjylland start against Celtic?
- Celtic will take on Midtjylland on Thursday, November 6
- The match starts at 5.45pm (UK time)
- It will be held at the MCH Arena, Herning
- Serbian official Nenad Minakovic is the referee
What TV channel is Midtjylland v Celtic on and can I stream it live?
- Midtjylland v Celtic is live on TNT Sports
- Coverage starts at 5 p.m. on TNT Sports 2
- Subscribers can stream the game live via the Discovery+ app
- You can also keep up to date with all the action on the SunSport matchday blog
Team news
Celtic will be without 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 clash.
The long-term absent Jota is approaching a return of his cruciate knee injury but that will probably only happen after the New Year.
Carter-Vickers’ injury has created space for Callum Osmand in the team, who has been registered in place of the American.
Johnny Kenny is expected to be back in charge after scoring against Falkirk and Rangers.
Midtjylland will have to deal with several absences, with Ovie Ejeheri, Edward Chilufya and Adam Gabriel all unavailable due to injury.
Despite these setbacks, Franculino Dju remains the biggest threat to the team. The striker‘s star shape – including 16 goals in 18 games in all competitions, making him the player who will make the biggest impact on Thursday.
Last chances
Central Jutland – 21/20
Draw – 5/2
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Celtic – 9/4
The oddschecker odds are correct as of Wednesday, November 5 at 6 p.m.
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