Tom Heward-Belle is very likely to line-up between the sticks against Celtic and against a former player he idolises in Harry Kewell.

The 25-year-old shot stopper has grown up supporting Sydney FC and having made 25 appearances in his career so far, is relishing the opportunity to play against a top team in Celtic.

“It is going to be a good game and one that I have been looking forward to since it was announced.

“Celtic are a quality opposition and I think that this will be a good test for us as a squad after some frustrating results so far this season” Heward-Belle said.

Celtic’s current assistant manager is Harry Kewell who is a player that Heward-Belle previously adored and watched religiously during his time at Liverpool and Tom is looking forward to possibly meeting him on Thursday night.

READ MORE: SUNDAY STORY: TOM HEWARD-BELLE
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“I loved watching Harry Kewell wear the number seven jersey, playing week in week out at Liverpool. He had a very special left foot and I remember watching him at the 2006 World Cup in awe of his ability.

“I love him to death; I wish I could meet him” Heward-Belle added.

The assignment for the Sydney FC number 20 will be tough, facing a Celtic team which is scoring goals for fun in Scotland, having already put nine past Dundee United, six past Hibernian and four past their rivals Rangers. However, this is a task that doesn’t faze the shot stopper.

“I am actually really looking forward to showing what I can do in goal. Yes, it is going to be tough but I am relishing this opportunity to play against a top team.”

Andrew Redmayne is away with the Australian team at the World Cup, so it is likely that the goalkeeping duties will be rotated between Tom Heward-Belle and Adam Pavlesic who starred in the 3-2 Derby win last season.

This will be a tough assignment for all of the Sydney FC side, but both sides will be using this match as motivation to enter the World Cup break on a high.