BHOYS ARE READY FOR FIREFIGHT

Scales is aware of the cauldron of noise and colour in Marakana but says Celts can handle it

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

LIAM SCALES knows Celtic are bound for the Belgrade bear pit but he's adamant the Bhoys won't blink.

Red Star's Marakana - or officially named the Rajko Mitic Stadium - is one of the most notorious grounds in Europe.

There's the infamous tunnel for starters.

It’s a 100-yard walk through the dark and foreboding underbelly, where the walls are covered in sinister graffiti scribbled by hardline ultras, including pictures of dozens of creepy eyes that seem like they're peering into players’ souls.

All of that is before rivals step out in front of 50,000 supporters baying for blood.

It's enough to make Russell Crowe's Gladiator go weak at the knees but Scales is convinced Celts will not buckle in the intimidating Serbian coliseum.

The Republic of Ireland defender has run out in front of Borussia Dortmund’s incredible Yellow Wall and encountered the deafening noise whipped up in Feyenoord’s De Kuip.

Heading across the city to Ibrox with little or no fans is hardly a walk in the park either.

But all are experiences in the bank that will allow the Hoops to take tomorrow night's Europa League opener in their stride.