Celtic ready for Blues
2010-15-01, 01:50:44
JJB SPORTS IRISH CUP: Donegal Celtic vs Linfield, Celtic Park, Saturday at 2pm
DONEGAL Celtic boss Pat McAllister will select from a fully fit squad in preparation for Saturday's JJB Sports Irish Cup tie against Linfield at Celtic Park - a game that will be covered live on BBC Radio Ulster.
McAllister is hopeful Linfield legend Paul McAreavey, a shock midweek signing, will have secured international clearance from former club Dundalk and the FAI in order to make his hoops debut against his former club.
McAreavey says wearing the hoops of Donegal Celtic will be a "career dream come true".
The midfield star was captured by Celtic boss Pat McAllister on a deal that will see him remain with the club until the end of the season - at very least.
A new dad, McAreavey, pictured, has strong family ties with Donegal Celtic and revealed that during his glorious seasons with Linfield he never hid his desire to "pull on the hoops". Earlier this week, he turned down two attractive offers from Premier League clubs.
A four-time Irish Premier League title winner, McAreavey said: "I've been busting a gut to play for Donegal Celtic in my career. I never made any secret of that aim. I was part of a great Linfield side and now I aim to be part of a Donegal Celtic side that can achieve greatness.
"It's not about me and it's not about just one cup game - it's about winning promotion to the Premier League and building a senior football club that west Belfast can be proud of.
"It's a crime that Donegal Celtic is not part of the Premier League - and I want to help right that wrong."
The 29-year-old, who is studying to become a fitness instructor, has pushed himself through pain barriers in order to regain sharpness for his Celtic bow.
"I haven't played since the eircom League season ended two month's ago and the weather has not allowed Donegal Celtic to play while I have been training with the squad.
"But I'm ready to face Linfield on adrenaline alone because I am so excited about wearing the hoops."
While he may sound like a child in a sweetshop, the experienced middle-of-the-park man has serious sound-bites about Celtic's prospects against the fancied Blues.
He added: "It's hard for any team to come to Celtic Park and win - and I have experience of that. Linfield have changed a lot since I was playing for them and they are there for the taking.
"There's a real belief in the club that we can win this game. Everyone is fired up, fit and ready. Our squad could cope in the Premier League and there is no reason to fear Linfield. This is a one-off and every Celtic player will give their all."
The Setanta Cup winner hopes his first game will provide a platform for Celtic's return to the Premier League at the end of the season - and he wants to remain at the club if that goal is achieved.
Celtic's promotion bid has been tested with two unexpected league defeats so far.
"I told the manager (Pat McAllister) that it wasn't my intention to just come to The club and use it as a shop window. I could have gone to a Premier League club but after a few difficult months at Dundalk I was short of desire and hunger for the game - and the only club that could give me that back was Donegal Celtic.
"This is about winning the Championship and getting back into the Premier League. If I was to win a league medal with Celtic it would be just as great as any I won with Linfield - this move means that much to me.
"Come the end of the season, I want to be saying to Pat McAllister, who I think is the best young manager in the local game, that I want to stay because it is my dream to play for Celtic in the Premier League.
"What more could a west Belfast footballer ask for? Donegal Celtic can grow into one of the biggest clubs in the Irish League and I want to be part of that growth.
"I hope more and more people see that - and come out and support the team on Saturday and during the rest of the season. "A massive effort is being put in by everyone at the club to bring us back into the top league and it would be great if people put their support behind them."
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Donegal Celtic supporters are asked to note that a small number of tickets remain available for Saturday's Irish Cup fifth round tie against Linfield.
This is an all-ticket fixture.
Tickets, priced at £8 and £6 (concession), can be purchased at the club or by calling club secretary Hugh Greene on 028 90 612022.
