Linfield manager David Healy has admitted there is "a lot to fear" from Celtic.

The former northern Ireland internationalist is keen to ensure that his players relish the occasion this evening at Windsor Park but has acknowledged that Celtic in full flow could make life very difficult for his side.

“There's nothing to lose - but a lot to fear," he admitted. "People say we have nothing to fear, but there is a lot to fear because Celtic are a good side with good players.

“But once the players cross the white line, it just becomes another game."

Healy, though, has urged his players to embrace the occasion rather than be cowed by it.

"There's no point worrying about it," he said. "We can only do what we can. We're not expected to win.

“We're massive underdogs. We're probably not expected to run them close, so there's no pressure on us. There's no pressure on the players.

"We want to go out and do ourselves proud and the club proud. Embrace it.

“This is a football match and one we'll embrace."

“The talking is over now. The players will have been aware this was on the horizon before we played and beat the San Marino champions.

“It's been talked about for a long time. When it was first talked about, did we want Celtic? Probably not. As an ambitious club and manager, the players were keen to stay in the competition. You might have preferred a softer draw when you had an opportunity to maybe advance. We're under no illusions how difficult the task is going to be. The players are ready, chomping at the bit for 10 days to finally get out there."