PLANNING chief Frank Connor makes decisions for the benefit of Blackburn -- but on Thursday he will be hoping for Rovers' downfall.

Glasgow-born Coun Connor will not even let the fortunes of his adopted town stand in the way of his beloved Celtic in the UEFA Cup.

Coun Connor, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen's planning committee, is hoping the Hoops conquer Rovers home and away in the 'Battle of Britain'.

Already he has teased his council counterparts by revealing a Celtic shirt under a jumper at a meeting of the Labour group.

And he is bracing himself for much mickey taking if Rovers win.

Coun Connor said: "I love Rovers but I love Celtic a bit more. Celtic will always be dearest to my heart.

"It will be an exciting match. An ideal result will be for Celtic to win both legs."

Coun Connor, who was born a quarter-of-a-mile from Parkhead, had been a Celtic season ticket holder for years when he left Glasgow in 1973. He was fortunate enough to watch Celtic's famous 2-1 European Cup win over Inter Milan in 1967.

Once he moved to Blackburn he began supporting Rovers, who were then in the depths of the old Third Division. He held a season ticket for many years until last season.

Coun Connor, 54, manages to return to Parkhead several times a season. He is anxiously waiting to hear whether his nephew has secured him a ticket for Thursday's game -- in the Celtic end.

If not, he plans a quiet night at his home in Darwen watching the game on the television.

"Whatever the result I will cope with it," he said.