The former Hoops hero is one of only three players to have represented both clubs and will watch Thursday night's showdown at Celtic Park with mixed emotions.

Cadete remains a cult figure among Celtic supporters after scoring 31 goals in just 45 appearances following his arrival in Glasgow in 1995. The Portuguese striker later moved to Celta Vigo, where he spent two seasons before returning to his homeland with Benfica.

And with his two former clubs set to go head-to-head, the 58-year-old insists he simply cannot pick a side.

Speaking to Spanish outlet Atlantico, Cadete said: "It's a match where it's difficult to decide, emotionally, which team you want to win, because I've played for both clubs."

One aspect of the occasion he will be paying close attention to is the atmosphere inside Celtic Park. Cadete believes the roar generated during his playing days has changed over the years, but expects a European night to bring back some of the old magic.

He said: "The atmosphere isn't the same as it was when I played there, but I'm sure that in a European competition match, some of that old atmosphere will be felt once again.

"For the teams and the players, it's just another match, although it will be highly contested, with both sides pressing hard."

Cadete also feels there is a unique bond between the two sets of supporters and believes the connection between Celtic and Celta runs deeper than most cross-border rivalries.

As for his prediction, the former striker is refusing to be drawn.

"I have mixed feelings," he admitted. "I'd be satisfied with a draw, given that I played for both teams and because of the affection I hold for both sets of fans. It would feel like a kind of justice."