Dundalk could face Celtic next in Champions League qualifiers

If both come through second round qualifiers they’ll meet in next round

Dundalk’s David McMillan celebrates scoring the first goal against Rosenborg. Photograph: Inpho

Fri Jul 14 2017 - 11:46

If Dundalk can see off Rosenborg they will face the winner of Celtic and Linfield in the Champions League third qualifying round.

Dundalk and Rosenborg are tied 1-1 after the first leg on Wednesday, with the latter bringing the away goal advantage to Norway.

In 1979 Dundalk, who were then a part-time League of Ireland side, met Celtic with a place in the last eight of the European Cup at stake.

A spirited 3-2 loss at Celtic Park, was followed up with an agonising 0-0 draw in the return leg. They would have faced Real Madrid in the quarter-final.

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team play the first leg of their tie with Belfast club Linfield on Friday. Linfield, reigning Irish League champions, have a large Protestant and unionist association.

The game was pushed back to Friday, and the Scottish champions have opted against taking its 3,000-strong ticket allocation, due to concerns over fan safety.