After a successful European tour, Celtic have returned to home soil as they continue their pre season preparations.
Ange Postecoglou and his squad are gearing up for summer friendly number four as they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Parkhead this weekend. The lunchtime clash will give the Hoops boss another opportunity to suss out his squad, which has been boosted this summer by the arrival of Alexandro Bernabei and Bejamin Siegrist, with Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers penning permanent deals.
But there is still some summer business to be done with 'one or two more' expected to arrival in Glasgow's east end before the transfer window slams shut. However, the show must go on as the current squad gear up for the 2022/23 campaign. Celtic will soon be taking part in the Champions League group stage with the battle to retain the cinch Premiership title also pending this season.
So it is no wonder that the side are being put through their paces at their Lennoxtown. He are five things Record Sport spotted at the training ground on Friday...
Ralston poses for a pic
Anthony Ralston was pictured at Lennoxtown on Friday and it looks like the full back was trying out some spots for the 2023 calendar a little bit early.
Ralston enjoyed a successful pre season trip and will be looking to start the season with some of that momentum. The right back even got a shot of the captain's armband when skipper Callum McGregor left the field during Celtic friendly against Banik Ostrava.
The Scotland international spoke to Celtic TV on Friday, insisting that the Parkhead side are out to improve, despite a double silverware winning 2021/22 season. The full-back also reckons Ange Postecoglou's pre season schedule has provided the players with a boost this summer.
Ralston was handed a fresh start under Ange Postecoglou after arriving at Parkhead last summer. And he has since impressed with his consistent displays at full-back. His form has earned him a new long-term deal with the club, keeping him in Glasgow until 2025.
Boss bonding
Harry Kewell is preparing for his first season alongside fellow Aussie Postecoglou in the Celtic dugout. The first team coach was appointed by the Celtic boss last month and travelled with the side during their European tour.
But now, on home soil, Kewell is getting to see what Glasgow is all about as Celtic gear up for the 2022/23 campaign. The 43-year-old will step into the shoes of Stephen McManus this season after the former Parkhead skipper took up a role with the Colt side ahead of the upcoming Lowland League campaign.
The coach has already made an impression at Lennoxtown, putting the players through their paces before the side jet off to Austria. But with the new season fast approaching, Kewell has a busy few weeks ahead.
Race ya?
Who do you reckon would come out on top in a race between Yosuke Ideguchi, Jota and Osaze Urhoghide? The four got down to business as they worked on their speed and agility at Lennoxtown ahead of their pre season clash. Everyone likes a bit of friendly competition and it was noticeable on the training pitch as the players got to work.
Pre season preparations are well underway in the Celtic camp, but it looks like the players have a lot more in their locker. The 2022/23 provides the side with some huge challenges, with small matter of Champions League group stages awaiting. And who can forget the battle to retain the cinch Premiership crown?
Kyogo all smiles
It was a successful trip to Europe for Kyogo this summer. And the look on his face during Friday's training session tells the tale. The Japanese star got his name on the scoresheet during Wednesday's 4-2 victory over Banik Ostrava in the Czech Republic. The 27-year-old will be looking for more of the same as on Saturday as Blackburn Rovers are the visitors at Parkhead.
The forward was one of Postecoglou's key players last time out, making a massive impact on the Scottish game scoring 16 goals in 26 games - including the double that won the Premier Sports Cup. With the start of the season fast approaching, Hoops fans will be hoping that Kyogo bring that positive energy and his shooting boots to the pitch.
Dance off?
You'd be forgiven for thinking that Anthony Ralston and David Turnbull had decided to take a break from the gruelling training session on Friday to take part in a dance off instead.
Of course, the pair were likely to be warming up on the Lennoxtown ground. But it is a lot more fun to assume they had traded their foots for dancing shoes, isn't it? If anyone from Strictly Come Dancing is reading this, look no further.
READ NEXT
