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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gabriel McKay

Copenhagen star raves about Celtic Park atmosphere and reveals he's watched Neil Lennon's side as a fan

Copenhagen midfielder Jens Stage is hoping to make his mark on the pitch against Celtic this evening - but he's already experienced Parkhead as a fan.

The 23-year-old will hope to make Stale Solbakken's starting XI for the Europa League second leg, having played 90 minutes in the first leg in Denmark.

But it's not just professional pride that's behind his desire to face Neil Lennon 's side, as playing in Glasgow has been a dream for some time.

Stage explained: "I've actually been here twice for Old Firm matches.

(SNS Group)

"The last trip was before we drew them, and in purely football terms this is one of the coolest things you can experience in Europe.

"It will be absolutely fantastic, it's one of the stadiums that's top of my list and I had hoped I'd get the chance to play here.

"It's something I've been thinking about for a long time and I'm so happy.

"Am I apprehensive? Are you insane? I'm looking forward to it!"

Celtic hold a slight advantage from the away leg, having secured an away goal in a 1-1 draw in the Danish capital.

They don't have an easy task ahead of them though, as Copenhagen haven't conceded more than one goal in a European tie since a 4-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid two years ago - a run of 28 games.

And Stage isn't the only one who's been been blown away by Celtic Park, with Mikkel Kaufmann similarly awestruck.

He said: "Coming up against Celtic at the Parken was probably the biggest battle of my life but it's likely to be even wilder if I play here.

"Just standing on the sidelines here before training and looking at Celtic Park was overwhelming.

"It was also a bit of a crazy atmosphere to experience at the Parken last week but when I came on it was like I forgot all about it.

"That's how it will be again."

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