BT/0456

OLD FlRM' READY TO AID OMAGH
Glasgow rivals set differences aside
By Una Bradley

OLD Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers are planning to leave their differences aside in aid of the Omagh bomb victims.
The Glasgow clubs are currently in negotiations over teaming up for a one-off friendly with Omagh Town at St Julians's Road.
Aimed at raising more than £250,000, the historic clash would obviously attract a full house to the County Tyrone venue.
The Omagh fund has already raised more than £2m for the relatives and victims of the tragedy.
Tottenham Hotspur winger David Ginola recently gave an extra kick to the campaign when he took part in a game between Derry City and a team selected by Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy at the Brandywell.
Omagh Town manager Roy McCreadie said a host of football celebrities had contacted him about raising money.
And he added that Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal had all pledged to travel to Omagh to keep the momentum going.
But a combined Rangers-Celtic team would have a particular poignance for the people of Omagh - and also send out a strong anti-sectarian message.
"This game would be symbolic of the close ties between the two communities in Omagh," said McCreadie.
"It would be very good for the cross-community here. It would mean a great deal to people."
A spokeswoman for Rangers confirmed consultations were taking place but nothing definite had been arranged as yet.
Early reports are that the Glasgow select would wear a one-off strip combining the green and white of Celtic with red, white and blue of Rangers.
No date has been agreed with both clubs in the middle of heavy domestic and European schedules.
The only previous time the age-old rivals teamed up was for a benefit game was in the wake of the 1971 Ibrox disaster.
A Celtic spokesman said today: "We have supported the Omagh cause in a number of ways over the last couple of months.
"We are currently considering several options to further assist the fund"
NORTHERN Ireland assistant manager Joe Jordan's verdict on Moldova who lost 3-1 to Germany in the Euro 2000 Group 3 last night at Kishinev: "A good side - don't underestimate them despite this defeat."
Commented manager Lawrie McMenemy: "Finland's win over Turkey certainly changes certain aspects on the table. It proved how important it was for us to beat them - and get three more points off Moldova next month.