THERE are few players who have experienced European nights at Paradise as both a Celtic player and on the opposing team. Mohamed Elyounoussi was moved by the atmosphere when he played at the stadium earlier in his career, and he’s now eagerly anticipating reliving the experience, this time wearing the Hoops.

When Elyounoussi arrived in Glasgow in August to finalise his season-long loan move from Southampton, it wasn’t his first visit to the stadium. That was in 2015/16 season when Celtic were drawn in Group A of the UEFA Europa League alongside Fererbahce, Ajax and his club, Molde FK. Elyounoussi’s team topped the group before being knocked out by Sevilla, who went on to win the competition for a second year running.

Celtic’s European campaign that season was difficult and the double-header against Molde resulted in back-to-back losses, with Elyounoussi playing a significant role in the two games. The first tie was in Norway and the winger scored one goal and provided an assist for a second in the 3-1 win over Celtic.

A fortnight later, the Norwegian was at Celtic Park where he inflicted further hurt on the Scottish champions in Molde’s 2-1 win. He scored the opening goal in the 20th minute with a well-struck half-volley across goal from the edge of the penalty area.

“I remember we came to Glasgow after winning in the previous game, so we were confident of taking the game to the opponents,” Elyounoussi recalled in an exclusive interview with the official match programme. “I was playing well during that period and I was excited by the start we had made in the group.

“I knew Celtic had a big stadium and that they had a lot of history, but the atmosphere was something I wasn’t expecting.

“I didn’t know the song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ before I walked out of the tunnel that night. The fans were singing it as we walked on to the pitch and it gave me goosebumps. Hearing that as an opposition player is amazing and you realise how big a part the home fans can play.

“It doesn’t feel hostile because it’s such a beautiful song, but you immediately see what a special place Celtic Park is. We had huge respect for Celtic but we started on the front foot and I remember when I scored there was a moment of quiet which I hadn’t heard at any other point in the game.”

He added: “The last game I played in the UEFA Europa League was against Sevilla in 2016 and they went on to win the tournament that year.

“That was the same season that we were in the group with Celtic. It’s nice to get the opportunity to play Celtic in European football because they atmosphere in Celtic Park during European games is incredible and I can’t wait to experience that as a Celtic player.”

For the full interview with Mohamed Elyounoussi, see tonight’s matchday programme.

The matchday programme also includes words from manager, Neil Lennon and captain, Scott Brown, an exclusive interview with Celtic legend, Pat Bonner, the lowdown on tonight’s visitors and many other great features.

At the game, you can also pick up your copy of the latest Celtic View before the match, together with the official Celtic v Cluj matchday programme for a special combined price of just £5 (a saving of £1.45).

Exclusive Mo Elyounoussi interview in Celtic v Cluj programme