Celtic will take on Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly at Paradise on Saturday, July 19 (KO: 3pm). The match sees the Scottish and English League Cup winners go head-to-head, with the adidas Trophy up for grabs on the day. And former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, Shay Given, believes the game is perfect preparation for the season ahead, while it could also turn out to be a rehearsal for a competitive clash, given both teams are in the UEFA Champions League. Speaking at Celtic Park today, Shay Given, who actually started his professional career with Celtic after moving over from Donegal, admitted he’s looking forward to s special game at a special venue. “It should be a brilliant game,” he said. “Pre-season is obviously about getting the teams fit for the new season but, at the same time, when it’s two big clubs in Newcastle and Celtic, it’s going to be a great game here at Celtic Park. “I know that the Newcastle away section – over 7,000 fans – is sold out already so I’m sure it’s going to be a great atmosphere as well. “It is pre-season but once you cross the white line and see a full Celtic Park, you know it’s going to be a great game for both sets of players, and hopefully a great spectacle for the fans.”With 134 caps for his country, Shay Given is the second most capped player for the Republic of Ireland, and at club level he spent 12 years at Newcastle United. While he never got to play a first-team game during his time at Celtic, he has always remained a fan of the Hoops, and he’s been impressed with the work his fellow countryman is doing as manager of the club, most recently a League and League Cup double last season. “It’s been another brilliant season for Brendan to win the double,” Given said. “Of course, it was a bit of a disappointment in the Scottish Cup final but that’s to take nothing away from the double. “The new format of the Champions League has also been brilliant for Celtic. The home games have been so important to the new league format, and how big the performances were here at home and, of course, some big performances away from home as well, and some credible draws for Celtic. ‘It’s about the club growing and the players believing that they deserve to be on that stage.’ “And for Newcastle, they’ve got the Champions League next season as well, so this game sets up for two Champions League teams going head-to-head pre-season, so it’s the perfect fixture. “There might be a few new signings on both teams as well, and it’s always an opportunity for the fans to come along and see the new signings.” Newcastle United enjoyed a superb season, winning the League Cup – their first domestic trophy since 1955 – as well as finishing fourth in the Premier League and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. And Eddie Howe’s side will be looking to the game at Celtic Park as a key part of their preparations for what the club hope will be another successful season. “It’s been amazing for Newcastle – 70 years of domestic hurt when it comes to trophies,” said Shay Given. “They managed to get their hands on the League Cup, which was fantastic, and then finish off the season by qualifying for the Champions League, which was just the cherry on top of what was a brilliant season from Eddie Howe and the players, and the fans. “You saw the city for the parade – there were over 300,000 fans turned out to welcome them back – so, again, we all hope it’s the start of something special at Newcastle and that’s going to give them the springboard to move on. “This game on July 19 will be a warm-up, even if they don’t meet, I think the opposition for sets of players is tough opposition, it’s what you need pre-season. There’s no point having loads of easy games coming into the first game. It’s a tough game so I think it’s a big test for both sets of players.”FixturesCeltic Vs. Newcastle United – Sat, Jul 19th 2025, 15:00
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