'Celtic game will help Blues build-up to League start' - Healy

Linfield manager David Healy has said Linfield's clash with Celtic in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier can only help with their Irish League preparation.

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Published 18th Jul 2017

The Blues are 2-0 down from the first leg, which was played at Windsor Park on Friday.

"We have a huge uphill task to get through to the next round of any competition in European football," he said.

"For me, going forward, we have to take a lot of positives out of the players bonding.

"The bread and butter is always the league, and if these boys improve, get used to each other and get used to each other's company, for the league, that's the most important thing for me."

There was some trouble that marred the occasion at Windsor Park, with both sides facing charges from UEFA.

However, the Blues boss said that wouldn't be an issue in Glasgow.

"We have made giant strides over the years to make sure we're talking about the things that happen on the pitch," he said.

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"It's hugely important that the supporters that are there behave themselves in an impeccable manner and enjoy the scenery, enjoy the game and enjoy the occasion.

"Hopefully they'll be coming away talking about another positive Linfield performance."

In terms of their approach, Healy said they'll continue with what they tried to do in the first leg.

"What we don't want to do is turn up and be lambs to the slaughter," he said.

"We'll be positive when we have the ball but we also need to be organised and disciplined.

"The players to their great credit were exactly that on Friday night.

"To not conceded a goal for nearly 70 minutes against a Celtic side like this, with the quality they have in their ranks, is a great credit to the players."