'Celtic fan' David Martindale 'can't wait' to watch Hoops battle Real Madrid

Livingston boss David Martindale admits he 'can't wait' to cheer on the hosts at Parkhead tonight as Celtic take on Real Madrid in their Champions League group stage opener.

Worrying about how to prepare his side for a visit to the same stadium at the weekend can wait until tomorrow.

And the Lions gaffer insists he'll be equally keen on seeing Rangers and Hearts impress in their respective European encounters later in the week.

Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale commented: "Saturday is going to be a hugely difficult game for us. Celtic are a brilliant side and I think Ange has done an incredible job there.

"He's had three transfer windows now and I think he's been able to improve his side in each one so we know we're going to go there as massive underdogs but we'll have a gameplan and aiming for it to be successful.

"But I have to say, honestly, I can't wait for the game tonight. It's going to be an amazing occasion and I'll be going there as a Celtic fan. I'm a Scottish football fan. I want all our teams to do well in Europe.

"And I'll be cheering on Rangers tomorrow and Hearts on Thursday just as much. I think it's brilliant for Scottish football to be having three teams in the group stages of European competitions. To be honest I really miss just watching a game as a fan

"When it's a league game you've obviously got a vested interest because, for argument's sake if it's Rangers against Kilmarnock, you're rooting for Rangers because you know that's the result that more than likely benefits Livingston the most. So watching those games as a fan is something I'm really looking forward to."

The Lions boss confessed he fancies Celtic to surprise some folk tonight and admits the fact they'll be next up for the