Gibraltar echoes a caution for Belfast

I was cautioned yesterday on my assumption that Linfield would be fodder for the Celtic machine next month. The words, “You mean they’re no Lincoln Red Imps?” was the retort. Red Imps occupy a minor detail in the story of last season; a curiosity at the beginning of the Brendan Rodgers regime, bound to become a quiz question of the future.

Linfield will reach the second qualifying round of the Champions League and will be despatched by Celtic, but the jeopardy of a reversal in Belfast is a real possibility. While none of us begrudge Red Imps their moment of glory, the prospect of waiting a week to put right an indifferent early season performance would cause consternation.

Be ready for it, Celtic. Your opponents will be.