Scotland games moves to Celtic park

Scotland’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign will kick off at Celtic Park - because Robbie Williams will be playing at Hampden Park on the same day.

Walter Smith’s men will take on the Faroe Islands in their opening game on Saturday, September 2.

But two sell-out shows at the national stadium that weekend meant they were forced to look for an alternative venue to host the crucial match.

The Scots face a nightmare qualifying group, which also includes France, Italy and the Ukraine, and they know a winning start to the campaign is vital.

A number of clubs wanted to host the game but Celtic Park was the top choice of the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

“I would like to publicly acknowledge the strong bid from Aberdeen FC to stage the match at Pittodrie, but we anticipate the crowd for the opening match of the Euro 2008 campaign will require a larger stadium,” SFA chief executive David Taylor.

“However, there is great support for the national team in the north east of Scotland, and I would very much hope we will take Scotland’s next home friendly match to Aberdeen.”

Scotland failed to qualify for the World Cup finals in Germany this summer.

They were boosted by their recent Kirin Cup triumph in Japan, which included a 5-1 win over Bulgaria, and Taylor is hopeful of drawing the crowds to Celtic Park for their opening game.

He added: “The Scotland team want to make a positive start to the Euro 2008 campaign, and with Hampden not being available then Celtic Park will provide a magnificent venue.

“Hopes are high after recent winning performances, including the Kirin Cup victory, and I expect that the stadium will attract a huge crowd to support the national team.”

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “We are delighted to provide Celtic Park as the venue for Scotland’s match against the Faroe Islands.

“Celtic Park is widely recognised as one of the finest football stadia in Europe and we are sure the match will be a great occasion. As this will be Scotland’s first qualifying match of the 2008 campaign, it will be important to get off to a good start and we are all hopeful Scotland can enjoy a positive result.”