THE ICEMEN COMETH

Celtic’s European adventure is set to start next week with a UEFA Champions League qualifying tie against Icelandic champions, KR Reykjavik

- PAUL CUDDIHY

THE draw for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League took place at the weekend, and pitted Celtic against Icelandic champions KR Reykjavik.

While the Hoops were first out the hat, confirmation of the date and venue for the tie is still to be announced, with the added difficulty being that Icelandic football is currently suspended, the move having been taken by the Icelandic government due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The tie will be a one-match contest, as will all games in the first three qualifying rounds of the competition, and Neil Lennon’s side will be hoping that home advantage will be confirmed for the tie against KR Reykjavik.

Should Celtic progress to the second round, they will face the winners of the tie between Ferencvaros and Djurgarden.

IN THE BEGINNING

KR, or to give them their Sunday name, Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur, were founded in 1899 by a Scot, Frank McGregor who was working in engineering over there at the time. He not only founded KR but in doing so, also founded the first club in Iceland and indeed, for around 10 years they were the only club in the country. They were originally known as Fótboltafélag Reykjavíkur, which means Reykjavik Football Club before changing their name to Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur, which means - Reykjavik Football Club! Yes, it’s a tad confusing but it’s odds-on that commentators are probably delighted that the club are generally known by their KR moniker.