Jacob Ramsey has spoken of his excitement ahead of Aston Villa’s eagerly-anticipated UEFA Champions League tie against Celtic.
Villa go head-to-head with the Scottish Premiership champions on matchday eight for what promises to be another memorable European night under the lights in B6.
Unai Emery’s side are currently ninth in the league phase table ahead of the final round of fixtures, chasing a top-eight finish and progress straight through to the Round of 16.
Like Villa, Celtic, who sit just one point behind in 18th, head into the clash having already qualified for the knockout stages.
And midfielder Ramsey can’t wait for the encounter against the Hoops as they travel south of the border.
“Any Champions League game is always going to be a big game, especially at Villa Park,” said Ramsey.
“Tomorrow night we need the three points to try and get automatic qualification.
“It’s going to be a tough match.
“I’m sure the Celtic fans will bring their atmosphere, but I know Villa fans are going to bring a great atmosphere and it’s going to be a really good game.”
He added: “I’ve played against Brendan Rodgers before when he was at Leicester.
“They were a really technical team, like to pass the ball.
“I’m sure tomorrow they’ll want to come and make a statement at Villa Park and try to impress.
“It’s going to be a really hard game, an intense game, physical game.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
Ramsey heads into the encounter having bagged his maiden Premier League goal of the season in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
The Academy graduate, who found the net in our matchday one triumph at BSC Young Boys, admitted it was “really good to get that feeling again” having bagged in the league.
Wednesday will be Villa’s first-ever meeting against Celtic, with our only previous European fixture against a fellow British club coming courtesy of last season’s 8-0 aggregate triumph over Hibernian in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying.
Asked whether you can allow yourself a moment to take it all in on nights like this, Ramsey replied: “Of course, I think me personally, from where I’ve come from in the Academy.
“To think when I was eight years old when I signed for Villa, to be playing in the Champions League at 23 years old and at Villa Park, with my family and friends in the stadium.
“I’m sure before the game when the music comes on, the anthem comes on, I’ll be looking up to my family and friends and it’s a ‘pinch me’ moment, really.
“After that, it’s focus on the game.”
