LINFIELD PLAN THURSDAY SWITCH TO ACCOMMODATE ORANGE WALKS

LINFIELD want to switch the possible Champions League qualifier against Celtic to a Thursday where it will clash with Europa League games.

If, as seems likely, the Northern Ireland outfit overcome San Marino minnows La Fiorita, they will face the Hoops in a second round.

UEFA have scheduled the first leg at Windsor Park for either July 11 or 12, but the latter date has already been ruled out due to Orange Order marches that day.Linfield would prefer to play on the 11th, but the Police Service of Northern Ireland also have concerns about staging the potential powderkeg tie on that night.

They feel a first leg switch to Parkhead would be the easiest solution, but Linfield are desperate to play at home first as the return could be a mere formality if they lose heavily in Glasgow.If July 11 is ruled out on police advice, they plan on suggesting Thursday 13th as an alternative and would hope for a favourable response.The part-time outfit, managed by ex-Rangers striker David Healy, will earn £700,000 from UEFA for reaching the second qualifying round.

And that figure will rise above £1million if they play Brendan Rodgers’ side, taking in gate receipts from the Windsor Park clash, advertising and merchandising.

The Blues have already been contacted by TV companies keen to show the game in Belfast live, with BT Sport the frontrunners.

Regardless of when the Windsor Park leg is played, around 4,000 travelling Hoops fans are expected to be housed in the 6,500-capacity North Stand. There will also be plenty of Irish based Celtic supporters wanting to see our team place in Ireland.

A decision on the date of the tie is expected within the next 48 hours.

 Meanwhile Celtic are unlikely to be offering an official trip for supporters as is the norm for European ties.

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