AHEAD of Celtic's glamour Uefa Champions League matches at Parkhead, ­marketing chiefs in Glasgow are determined to attract ­foreign fans.

 

They are launching the city's www.peoplemakeglasgow.com website in Italian, Spanish and Dutch before the Group H games against three of the competition's previous winners - AC Milan, Barcelona and Ajax.

The Glasgow side kick off their campaign proper ­tonight in Italy before ­hosting Spanish giants Bar­celona at Celtic Park on October 1, Ajax from ­Holland on ­October 22 and AC Milan on ­November 26.

Celtic's three home games are expected to attract up to 5000 visiting fans and before they jump on a plane to Glasgow they will be able to go online and check out the city's nightlife and overnight accommodation as well as tips on dining out.

City centre fan zones are being set up on match days in Merchant Square, with music and entertainment - lasting six hours - before each game.

Bureau chief and council leader Gordon Matheson, said: "Glasgow is renowned for its warm welcome, ­particularly for visiting football fans.

"We want visiting fans to enjoy themselves and to make the most of their time here."

Jennifer Morrison, operations manager at Merchant Square, said: "We're anticipating a real buzz in the Square on each of the match days."

Stuart Patrick, chief exec­utive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added: ­"Celtic's qualification for the Champions League group stage is great news for Glasgow's economy."

A Celtic club spokesman said: "We look forward to welcoming supporters from Catalonia, Amsterdam and Milan to Glasgow."

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