Linfield and Celtic clash expected to take place on 14 July

Linfield manager David Healy and his players will face Celtic if they win their first qualifying round clash. Picture: SNS

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It looks increasingly likely that Linfield will play Celtic in Belfast on Friday 14 July if the Blues overcome La Fiorita of San Marino in the first Champions League qualifying round.

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Arrangements are still being finalised but it is understood that both clubs and the PSNI have agreed to the Friday fixture - to avoid a potentially powder keg encounter around the July 12 Orange celebrations - with the return leg in Glasgow the following week.

Representatives of both clubs met senior PSNI officers in Belfast on Thursday to reach an accommodation.

Time of the kick-off has not yet been confirmed. Further details are expected to be announced later this afternoon.