Andy Murray takes on Celtic in a game of crossbar challenge... but how did British tennis star get on?

  • Andy Murray and his Davis Cup team-mates swapped tennis for football
  • The tennis team took on Scottish champions Celtic in a crossbar challenge
  • After a series of near misses, Celtic coach John Kennedy won the challenge 
  • The British tennis team are aiming to reach a first Davis Cup final since 1978 

Andy Murray and his Davis Cup team-mates swapped the tennis court for the football pitch to take on Scottish champions Celtic.

The tennis team, who are in Glasgow preparing for the match with Australia this weekend, travelled the short distance from the Emirates Arena to Celtic Park to take part in a crossbar challenge.

Each player had to try and hit the crossbar with a shot from just outside the penalty box.

Andy Murray (centre) and his Davis Cup team-mates swapped the tennis court for the football pitch

Andy Murray (centre) and his Davis Cup team-mates swapped the tennis court for the football pitch

The British tennis star and his team including James Ward (left) took on Celtic in a crossbar challenge

The British tennis star and his team including James Ward (left) took on Celtic in a crossbar challenge

The tennis players - Andy and Jamie Murray, James Ward, Dom Inglot, Kyle Edmund and captain Leon Smith - were up against Celtic players including Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay Steven and manager Ronny Deila.

After a series of near misses, Celtic coach John Kennedy won the challenge with his second shot in sudden death. New signing Jozo Simunovic also hit the crossbar with his second attempt. 

Great Britain captain Smith urged his players to stick to tennis, although star Murray wasn't far off striking the bar.

He said: 'When you've got such a big match coming up at the weekend it's good to try and do some other things just to alleviate some of the pressure and stress. We're walking distance from the Emirates where we're playing, so it was brilliant and the guys had a great time.

'I was the worst, there's no doubt about that, I completely shanked my first shot. I would say Andy Murray is the best (football) player. When we play five-a-sides he shines out, but I'm going to say that aren't I?'

Murray takes aim and shoots - with the objective of hitting the crossbar  from just outside the penalty box

Murray takes aim and shoots - with the objective of hitting the crossbar from just outside the penalty box

The British No 1  shows off his keepy-up skills in front of Celtic manager Ronny Deila (centre)

The British No 1 shows off his keepy-up skills in front of Celtic manager Ronny Deila (centre)

Celtic coach Kennedy agreed and said he would take the Wimbledon 2013 champion if he had to sign one of the tennis players. 'I think I would take Andy Murray just for the shirt sales alone,' he said.

'It's been a good day, it was good of them to come along and thankfully we managed to beat them. It was nice for me to get back on the park and it's not often I get to have a shot on goal, so it was nice to hit the crossbar and win."

The British team are aiming to reach a first Davis Cup final since 1978 and start the three-day tie with Australia on Friday. Smith said: 'We're in a good position and are very fortunate to have one of the best players in the world in Andy Murray, who is definitely the strongest in the two teams.

'A lot lies on his shoulders, of course, to get points but we've also got his brother Jamie who is fresh from the US Open final and having made the Wimbledon final this year, he's playing the best tennis of his career.' 

Murray and Co are aiming to reach a first Davis Cup final since 1978 and start tie with Australia on Friday

Murray and Co are aiming to reach a first Davis Cup final since 1978 and start tie with Australia on Friday

Murray travelled the short distance from the Emirates Arena to Celtic Park to take part in the challenge

Murray travelled the short distance from the Emirates Arena to Celtic Park to take part in the challenge

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