@CCP_sport
Lincoln Red Imps assistant manager Mick McElwee admits he is having to pinch himself after the Gibraltan side set-up a fairytale Champions League clash against his beloved Celtic.
Lincoln overturned a 2-1 first leg defeat to Estonian outfit Flora with unanswered goals either side of half-time from Joseph Chipolina and Antonio Calderon and will now face Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops in the second qualifying round.
McElwee, who has lived in the British Overseas Territory for over 30 decades, admits taking on the Hoops is a dream come true.
Celtic visit the Victoria stadium next Tuesday before Lincoln travel to Scotland the following week.
McElwee said: “I’m a life-long Celtic supporter so it’s quite hard to put into words what this means.
“To be going toe-to-toe with team like Celtic is just fantastic. To get to the second round in front of our own fans is great and we’re looking forward to Celtic.
“I’ve been to Celtic Park now and then, I saw a few matches the last time Rangers were in the top-flight. I remember the roof nearly coming off in an Old Firm game when Joe Ledley scored.
“It may not be quite as full but it’s a wonderful place and Celtic Park is magical.”
McElwee, who masterminded ten domestic title as Lincoln manager before stepping down two years ago, added: “It’s a big step up, I don’t know how we’re going to make that step but we’ve got six days to prepare and we’ll give it our best shot.
“We came out and played very close to our best.
“I thought we were superior in every department to the Estonian team, when we pressed them we were successful.
“They threw long balls into the box but I don’t think they created many clear cut chances.”
