DERRY CITY were supposed to play Celtic this weekend as the preparations for the Scottish Champions’ hurtle towards Flag Day at Paradise. The friendly was scratched and it left Neil Lennon’s men with a hole in the calendar to fill, something that Derry’s manager Declan Devine was apologetic about but he insisted that his side will face Celtic in a few months.
As reported by the Derry Journal, Devine admitted that it was unfortunate that his side were unable to fulfil the proposition from Celtic to feature in a friendly match.
“It was a brilliant opportunity which was put to us by Celtic.
“We did all our business as clean as a whistle and Celtic were very impressed with how we went about our side of things in preparation for the game.
“We all went and got tested and did everything by the book and then at the last minute the FAI wouldn’t sanction it as far as I know.
“It’s disappointing but at the same time, Celtic have given us an assurance they will have us over at a time that suits in the coming months.
“We would have loved the opportunity to go over there and play but at the same time it was vitally important that as a club we took guidance and listened to the powers that be.
“From the players point of view, the positive out of it all is that they will be promised a game at Parkhead in the coming months.”
Celtic will look to Premiership colleagues Hibs and Motherwell as they look to plug the fixture gap. The club begins the season at home to Hamilton Accies but this game will be played behind closed doors as a result of Coronavirus. As of yet, the Scottish Government have given no indication as to when supporters may return.
