Celtic to stage Scotland opener

Euro 2008 qualifying begins in September

Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifying bid will kick off against the Faroe Islands at Celtic Park.

Hampden Park is unavailable on 2 September because the national stadium is hosting a Robbie Williams concert.

A number of clubs made bids to host the game but Celtic Park was the top choice of the Scottish Football Association.

Chief executive David Taylor said: "We want to make a positive start, and with Hampden not being available then Celtic Park will provide a magnificent venue."

Aberdeen were one of the teams to miss out but Taylor wants to reward them by taking an international match to Pittodrie soon.

"I would like to publicly acknowledge the strong bid from Aberdeen FC to stage the match at Pittodrie, but we anticipate the crowd for the opening match of the Euro 2008 campaign will require a larger stadium," added Taylor.

"However, there is great support for the national team in the north east of Scotland, and I would very much hope we will take Scotland's next home friendly match to Aberdeen."

Scotland have been drawn in a very difficult qualifying group, which also includes France, Italy, Ukraine and Lithuania.