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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

5 things we spotted at Celtic training as Carl Starfelt returns and Jota debuts bold look

It's all about to start again for Ange Postecoglou and his Celtic players as they completed their final session before the start of the Scottish Premiership campaign.

The champions will be in celebratory mood at Celtic Park as Callum McGregor unfurls lasts season's title flag in front of a packed stadium, but the Double winners will be wary of Jim Goodwin's revamped Aberdeen spoiling the party in Glasgow's east end. The first-team were fully focussed as Postecoglou and his coaching team put them through their paces ahead of the opener.

There were hints as to the potential starting line-up at Parkhead when the Dons come around with some stars shrugging off niggling injuries as they look to make a mark on the campaign immediately. It's a long season ahead with the Champions League group stage campaign just around the corner, as well as the World Cup in Qatar, and fitness could be key.

So it is no wonder that it was a tough session at Lennoxtown. Here are five things Record Sport spotted at the training ground on Friday...

Albian my way

Albian Ajeti has barely been given a look in by Postecoglou after the Australian reinforced his squad in the last three transfer windows. It's safe to say things haven't worked out for the £5million signing since his West Ham arrival.

Albian Ajeti (R) during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown (SNS Group)

The Swiss striker made just 17 appearances last term, scoring just three goals. Postecoglou has hinted a move could be on the cards this summer, but Ajeti seemed keen to shut out the noise at training alongside Starfelt and forgotten midfielder Liam Shaw.

It remains to be seen whether the frontman will make the bench against Aberdeen. However, a start is unlikely given the form of Kyogo and Giorgos Giakoumakis in the title-winning campaign.

Jenz cools injury fears

Mortiz Jenz is made his final case for a start against the Dons at Lennoxtown. The German defender joined on loan with an option to buy from Lorient and will look to quickly win over Postecoglou and the Parkhead faithful.

Moritz Jenz during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown (SNS Group)

There has been speculation that Jenz would miss the opener due to a thigh injury. However, the defender looked to be ready for the league opener as he was put through his paces alongside Stephen Welsh.

Ange's always watching

John Kennedy, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell put the squad through their paces at Lennoxtown before Ange Postecoglou stepped in later in the session. However, there is no chance the squad were getting an easy shift from the coaching team while the gaffer took a back seat.

(SNS Group)

Postecoglou was snapped on the edge of the pitch keep an eye on his first-team stars as he weighed up the big decisions he must make before Flag Day at Celtic Park. Will any player have won a place in the Celtic starting XI during their final pre-season session?

Ready to Go-Go

The big kick-off is just around the corner, and Celtic fans are desperate to see this man running down the win at Celtic Park on Sunday. It was the deal the Parkhead were asking for an Jota has a chance to prove he is worth the bumper permanent transfer valuation.

Jota during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown (SNS Group)

During the final session before the visit of Jim Goodwin's side, the winger brought back the look that earned him a cult following early in his Benfica loan. It's easy to see the George Michael comparison at Lennoxtown, and the 23-year-old will look to reward Ange Postecoglou's Faith on Sunday.

Rising Star-felt

Carl Starfelt is ramping up his return to fitness as he returned to Celtic training for the first time since the hamstring injury he picked up on international duty. The Swede was all smiles as he rejoined the first-team stars.

Carl Starfelt (L) and Anthony Ralaston during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown (SNS Group)

Aberdeen may come too soon for the centre-back to rekindle his successful partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers, but the defender appears to be on course for a first-team return. Pal Anthony Ralston also looked delighted to have Starfelt back as the pair shared a joke at Lennoxtown.

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