It is a big weekend for both Glasgow sides as Celtic welcome Rangers to Parkhead for the first Old Firm meeting of the 2022/23 campaign.
Despite the hype, Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou is keen to make sure his players have the same level of motivation during every single clash this term. From League Cup clashes to European blockbusters, the boss wants his men and green and white to give it everything they've got as they look for success this season.
And Lennoxtown is the place the players are relentlessly pushed to improve, with the Aussie gaffer admitting he has already seen his side better themselves from the start of the 2022/23 campaign to now despite it still being early days. With five wins from five under their belts already, Celtic will be looking to continue their 100 per cent win record in front of a noisy home support on Saturday.
It is likely to be their toughest test of the season so far, and here are some things Record Sport spotted as the Hoops finished off their preparations.
Welcome aboard
It was a busy summer for Celtic from the start, and they ended the transfer window with a bang after capturing Oliver Abildgaard on deadline day. Ange Postecoglou reckons the Denmark international 'rounds off' his squad, bringing something different to the side.
Speaking following the midfielder's arrival and ahead of Saturday's clash, Postecoglou said: "Great to get him in. He's a player who is a little bit different to what we've already got here in terms of his attributes, but he's a pro.
"He just rounds off our squad. We've got a squad that I think is strong enough now to be able to compete on all the fronts we need to."
It looks like the new recruit is fitting in well as he arrived for his first training session at Lennoxtown on Friday while Anthony Ralston welcomed his new team mate to the squad. And what other way to start off your Celtic career than with a visit from your new city rivals? The new signing won't be in the squad for Saturday's clash, however, with boss Ange Postecoglou keen to let him get more sessions under his belt before 'throwing him in'.
Full focus
Ange Postecoglou is just about used to Old Firm clashes by now - he already has a season of them under his belt. But the gaffer is certain he expects the same level of motivation and desire from his players on Saturday that he would on any other match day, in the league, any cup or even in Europe.
The manager's mantra is 'We Never Stop' and it looks like he is focusing on pushing his players to the best of their ability in this snap during Friday's training session.
Whippin' his hair
Kyogo is certainly known for his skills on the pitch, with six goals in five appearances already this season. Pretty impressive, eh? But something that is just as impressive, kinda, is his barnet. And the frontman's celebration is actually based around his hairdo. Last year the Japan international lifted the lid on his lid, telling fans the reason for his unique celebration: "My hair style resembles a round mushroom so I started doing that. It just spread and became popular." He said.
The forward will be hoping he can whip out his celebration on Saturday when he helps the Hoops take on Rangers. And in preparation he looks to be working as hard as ever at Lennoxtown, looking as cheerful as ever too.
Another Old Firm bites the dust
Callum McGregor is certainly used to the Old Firm stage by now. And he is using his vast experience in the tie to give his new teammates a bit of an insight into what to expect on Saturday.
The Parkhead skipper has told Celtic's derby newcomers there's no preparing for a 90 minutes that "takes you to a different place". The Hoops have their fair share of newbies who will get their first taste of Glasgow rivalry at the weekend, but there are a good few old timers still kicking around as well.
And the captain says the experienced chaps among Ange Postecoglou 's squad will be there to guide them through a hugely important meeting with Rangers on Saturday.
O'Riley still here
Matt O'Riley was long linked with a move away from Celtic Park this summer. But the midfielder has stayed out at Parkhead, with his focus on the Hoops. The 21-year-old made the move to join Ange Postecoglou's side just sevens months ago, arriving from MK Dons, and he has already registered three assists in five games this season.
Despite being in-demand throughout the window, the Denmark international insisted he is only concentrating on Celtic, with his sights firmly set on impressing in the Champions League in green and white.
And the star hasn't let his focus slip a training if the snaps from this Friday's session are anything to go by. The 21-year-old is keen to secure his spot in Denmark's squad for the World Cup this winter, and believes giving his best at club level will help him do just that.
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