You can lift trophy, Ahern tells Celtic

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has told Celtic football boss Martin O’Neill that success at tonight’s UEFA Cup final is well within his team’s grasp.

As thousands of fans travelled to Seville to see them play Porto Mr Ahern sent the Glasgow club his personal best wishes.

He told the manager: “I do not have to tell you the interest in Celtic’s fortune on this side of the Irish Sea.

“The team’s progress through the rounds to the final has been a huge source of conversation and debate amongst football fans here.”

Soccer fan Mr Ahern told him in a letter that Ireland’s thoughts and hearts were with Celtic as they faced the Portuguese side at the Olimpico Stadium.

He said the clash had captured the public’s sporting imagination like he had never seen it before.

“It has been terrific excitement and I know the club has won many new fans,” he said.

“In wishing you well, all I can say is that the team, the club and the people of Glasgow deserve the success that is now within your grasp.”

Mr Ahern is an avid Celtic fan and has watched the team play in Glasgow on several occasions.

A spokesman said that although he would not be in Seville to see the game he would be watching it on television.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair also wrote to O’Neill to wish the squad luck.

It is the first time Celtic has got through to a European final in 30 years.

Many fans were travelling to Seville without tickets, after all 52,000 places sold out.

Tickets were said to be selling at up to €1,000 on the black market.