Norway or Ireland again, or All-Ireland tie

If Celtic overcome Linfield, they will return to the north of Ireland or head to Norway in the next round.

Dundalk drew 1-1 with Rosenborg in the first leg in Ireland this week, so the Norwegians have a slender advantage, but the tie is by no means beyond the Irish. A return to Ireland in the next round would be a great reward for the many Celtic fans from that area who travel over to Scotland to see their team, but will be unable to attend tonight’s qualifier in Belfast.

Dundalk had a spectacular season in Europe last term, overcoming Champions League perennials BATE Borisov, before Legia Warsaw eliminated them from the premier tournament, opening up the opportunity for what proved to be a special season in the Europa League group stage.

Last season Rosenborg were eliminated from the Champions League third qualifying round by APOEL Nicosia.

From a travel perspective either destination is a good one for Celtic, although Brendan Rodgers would prefer to have the second tie at home.

Of course, fans of Linfield and Dundalk will be salivating at the prospect of an All-Ireland Champions League encounter.

Here is the new CQN Podcast…