Lustig prepared for short summer break

Celtic’s Mikael Lustig admits that a short summer break is an occupational hazard of plying his trade with the Glasgow club.

Lustig will represent Sweden at Euro 2016 in France and, theoretically, if his country reached the final, he would be due to line up in Celtic’s opening Champions League qualifier just two days after the Paris decider.

Celtic are routinely required to overcome three season-defining Champions League qualifying ties during July and August. That, admits Lustig, means the Bhoys are often left with a shorter break than many of their peers – even before Euro 2016 is factored in.

“Celtic is probably the worst club to play at when it comes to time off in the summer,” he said. “We have qualification for the Champions League every year and if you are an international player you are going to always have games in June.

“So in a normal summer I would say you have three weeks. A lot of teams have as much as eight or nine.” Despite the heavy schedule, the 29-year-old is thrilled to be going to a major tournament with his country on the back of an injury-plagued season with his club.

“I don’t know if it suits me,” he added. “Of course, it’s a massive thing to go to the Euros and everyone does want that but it is not possible to have a long break.

I have maybe a week off. “I do feel fine and felt fine over the last nine months. It is tough for the body,” he added. Sweden face the Republic of Ireland in the Stade de France on June 13 in their Group E opener. They will also be facing Italy and Belgium at Euro 2016.

The Swedes are 2.40 to win their first game against Ireland, who are 3.10 while the draw is 3.00.