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Celtic play their third and final Australian tour match tonight when they face Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

After a 1-0 loss in their tour opener to Central Coast 10 days ago, the tourists cruised to a 2-0 victory over a disorgansed Perth Glory last Saturday night.

Victory, a two-time A-League champion, will have their hands full tonight but the result is perhaps not so important as the experience of matching it with some of Celtic’s hardened pros.

Leijer, a former Fulham player, says it will be an invaluable insight into what it takes to make it in Europe.

“It is a good eye-opener for people, especially the youngsters. Looking at this squad a lot of the youngsters have been here for quite some time,” said Leijer.

“It gives them a little taste of what it’s like in Europe and a lot of them have dreams to go play in Europe … and to test themselves against high quality players who play week-in-week-out in Europe.”

Victory are just a week into their pre-season and don't kick-off the new season till October. Understandably they will be rusty.

And with no talismanic playmaker in Carlos Hernandez – sanctioned by  newly appointed coach Mehmet Durakovic for his secret MLS trial and late return to Melbourne - it has left the home side short of a potential game-changer.  

But at Tuesday’s session Victory looked motivated and hungry, reflecting the fresh approach of Durakovic who clearly has stamped his authority on the group.

And Victory still have plenty of attacking weapons with new boys Marcos  Rojas, Isaka Cernak and Jean Carlos Solorzano pushing for starting spots with mainstays Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp.

Central defender Leijer, 25, who spent a frustrating two years on the fringes at Fulham before returning to Victory in 2009, has tested himself in the Asian Champions League and tonight will have his hands full dealing with striker Giorgios Samaras.

The former Manchester City and Greek international striker trained well on Tuesday and is likely to see some game time in front of a large Greek fan-base. However highly rated Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal is doubtful after sustaining a nose injury in Perth.

Whoever is put out on the park, Leijer is relishing the challenge and perhaps sees this game as a chance for Victory starlets to step up.

And for the Dubbo-born defensive rock, another chance to show his former London employers at The Cottage what they missed out on.

“Any game you play in there’s always an opportunity, you never know who might be watching. If youngsters do well maybe they’ll get an opportunity down the track," he said.

Celtic coach Neil Lennon said as much earlier this week emphasizing the importance of scouting markets outside the European power-bases for talent.

Rojas and Solorzano will be just two keen to make a strong first impression tonight. Whether any Victory players see the offer a contract at Parkhead remains to be seen, but as Josh Rose of Central Coast discovered, a good game can very quickly put you in the shop window.

While the Glory struggled to impress Celtic boss, Rose was the pick from a classy Mariners side ten days ago and was singled out in Lennon's post-game analysis.

Many are viewing tonight as the start of a new era at Victory. Anew coaching team; new captain after the Kevin Muscat era,  new players and even a striking new Adidas kit.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity if we did beat them," added Leijer. "A week into pre-season I don’t know if that’s the way it’ll go… but it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Tour promoter and match agent Lou Sticca urged all sports fans to get along and taste a unique football atmosphere courtesy of Celtic’s amazing supporters and Victory’s vocal blue and white brigade.

“It’s not on TV so if you want to experience something truly special, an atmosphere like no other, AAMI Park is the place to be," he said.

Leijer agreed adding the memory of his own visit to an Auld Firm derby was something he hasn’t easily forgotten.

He added: “I loved it. They’re mad [the fans].

"I’ve heard a few of them are going to the pub down the road at 4pm so by 7.30pm they’ll be well on their way.

“I’m excited. They’re arguably some of the best fans in the world."

A crowd of around 25-27,000 is tipped.

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