Martin O’Neill returns to Celtic Park as Manager of Ireland to play Celtic. Club vs Country! Come On You Boys In Green!!
After much speculation, The FAI and Celtic have confirmed Ireland will face Celtic in an end of season friendly at Celtic Park in Glasgow this coming May.
Both the Irish Sun and Scottish Sun reported that Martin O’Neill’s side were in talks to play Celtic at Parkhead in a testimonial game for Scott Brown. That aspect of the match has also been confirmed. This season is Brown’s 11th at Celtic since joining the club from Hibs in 2007.
Sunday, May 20th is the date slated for the game. That is the day after this year’s Scottish Cup final. Kick-off time will be 2pm.
It will also come eight days before Ireland are scheduled to play France in a friendly at the Stade de France. Ireland’s other fixture this summer is at home against the USA on June 2nd.
In a press release regarding the match, Celtic said that “A proportion of proceeds from the match will go towards various charities and causes of Scott’s choice, including the family of former Celtic and Ireland player Liam Miller.”
Miller, who had been suffering from cancer, tragically died last month just days shy of turning 37.
The game will also be a return to Celtic for Martin O’Neill. Previously, an Ireland XI played Celtic for Jackie McNamara’s testimonial in May 2005.