UEFA delegation impressed by Parkhead

Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod believes Parkhead has proved itself worthy of hosting Euro 2008.

The UEFA inspection team visited the Glasgow stadium as part of their tour of the Scotland-Ireland bid.

The team also toured Clyde’s Broadwood ground as an example of the training facilities available to international sides and the national stadium, Hampden Park.

But McLeod insists Celtic Park was viewed as a highlight of the tour.

McLeod said: “The UEFA evaluation team already have prior knowledge of the first-class facilities on offer at Celtic Park but the delegation has indicated that they were still very impressed by what they saw.

“A tournament of the size and stature of the European Football Championships requires facilities that reflect the quality of the competition and there can be no doubt that Celtic Park would be a terrific venue for matches in 2008.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Charles Gordon believes the success of last season’s Champions League final between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen was a benchmark which could be followed by Euro 2008.

Gordon said: “Following what was widely regarded as one of the most successful Champions League finals ever hosted, Glasgow has put itself firmly on the map as an outstanding venue for major football events.

“We would relish the opportunity to host matches in Euro 2008 and would ensure a festival of football for all fans that made the journey.

“UEFA have a strong relationship with Glasgow and we hope to be able to welcome them here once again in 2008.”