Celtic midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is eager to get going again after committing himself to another season at the club.
The 32-year-old has linked back up with Martin O’Neill’s squad in Portugal for pre-season after triggering the option to extend the short-term deal he signed in February.
It is another chance for Oxlade-Chamberlain to build on a promising start to life in Glasgow.
Having gone more than a year without playing a competitive match before arriving at Celtic, the former Liverpool midfielder wasted little time making an impact. He came off the bench to score a dramatic 91st-minute winner against Livingston on his debut, before netting the only goal in a crucial victory over St Mirren during the run-in.
Speaking for the first time since extending his stay, Oxlade-Chamberlain admitted it did not take much convincing once the opportunity arose.
“Delighted when we could get it done.
“Kept myself fit, kept plugging away and hoped that I could get myself back up north for some lovely weather with you lot. I’m just delighted that it’s been able to get done and excited to come in at the start of this season to feel like I’ve got a proper season with the boys and a pre-season. So, yeah, looking forward to getting going.
“Obviously, it wasn’t straightforward at all for us for the back end of that season and how exciting it was and obviously a dream ending for us all. But I just think the whole experience, I really like the changing room, the lads, the manager, the coach and staff.”
A full pre-season should make a significant difference for the midfielder.
Last season, he arrived midway through the campaign after months without competitive football and had to work his way towards full sharpness while Celtic were battling on multiple fronts. This summer gives him the chance to build fitness properly and put himself in a stronger position to contribute more consistently.
It is also clear that the way last season finished left a lasting impression.
“I really enjoyed the challenge the whole time and regardless of how it finished, I really enjoyed being part of that dressing room and I probably felt exactly the same way. Like I said, much happier that we finished it off how we did and then it was just a no-brainer for me. Just the fans and how special it was to see that and feel that and be a part of that.
“I was just delighted and really excited to be able to try and do that for one more year. So, yeah, really, really happy that it’s been able to get done.” (Celtic FC YouTube)
Keeping Oxlade-Chamberlain at the club looks like sensible business. His experience at the highest level is obvious; he has shown he can influence games in key moments, and he has quickly bought into the environment at Celtic.
There is still plenty of work to do before the transfer window closes. With departures expected over the coming weeks, fresh additions remain a priority ahead of next month’s Champions League play-off.
Camilo Duran is expected to be confirmed shortly, but Celtic cannot afford to stop there. The squad still needs strengthening if they are to be in the best possible shape for another demanding season.
For now, though, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s decision to stay gives O’Neill another experienced option and a player who already looks fully invested in what Celtic are trying to build.
