Messages of support for Celtic

Celtic’s bid for European glory was today backed by politicians from both sides of the Irish Sea.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair gave the backing of the House of Commons to Martin O’Neill’s side, who take on FC Porto in tonight’s Uefa Cup Final.

The Parkhead club was also sent messages of support by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell ahead of the match in the Spanish city of Seville.

And Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said he would be cheering on the Bhoys – despite having played for their bitter rivals Rangers.

Thousands of fans from Glasgow have been joined in Seville by Irish-based Celtic supporters and members of the club’s huge worldwide support.

Mr Blair told Commons question time: “I’m sure the whole House will wish Glasgow Celtic the best of luck tonight.”

He was responding to Renfrewshire West MP Jim Sheridan, chair of the all party Scottish football group.

“Will you join me in wishing the best wishes to Glasgow Celtic in tonight’s Uefa cup final – the only British team left in Europe, with the exception of this Government,” Mr Sheridan had said.

Mr Ahern said Celtic’s progress in the Uefa Cup – which included away wins against English Premiership sides Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers – had been a “huge source of conversation and debate” in Ireland.

In a goodwill message to Martin O’Neill, he said: “I do not have to tell you the interest in Celtic’s fortune on this side of the Irish Sea.

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

“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.

Mr McConnell weaved his goodwill message into a debate in the Scottish Parliament in which he was seeking approval for his new team of ministers.

The First Minister had hoped to travel to Seville for tonight’s game, but had to scrap his plans in order to secure endorsement for his new Cabinet following the Scottish Parliament elections three weeks ago.

He teased MSPs by opening the debate with the words: “I rise today to ask you to support a team who have served Scotland well, who will represent the country to the best of their ability, who I am sure will display a passion as they face difficult challenges.

“And I hope that today in this Parliament we can put old divisions behind us - and that we can all join together in wishing Celtic well in Seville tonight.”

He went on: “We all have one message for Martin O’Neill and the Bhoys – ‘Win for Scotland tonight, and do us proud’.”

Alex Ferguson said he believed Celtic were capable of beating FC Porto despite the Portuguese club’s impressive home form and dismantling of Italian giants Lazio in the semi-final.

The Manchester United manager, a native Glaswegian, said: “I really fancy Celtic quite strongly because of their form in the tournament.

“It is a marvellous night for them, they’ll arrive at the stadium and see that huge covering of green and white and they’ll feel great about themselves.

“Make no mistake about it, that number of supporters does make a difference. Enough, I think, to give Celtic the edge.”

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn said: “We have been inundated with letters of support and great wishes from all over the globe.

“They have been a great source of encouragement to the team and we hope that the club can bring home the trophy for all our fans.”