Cameron Carter-Vickers Issues Major Celtic Comeback Update

Cameron Carter-Vickers has spoken about his return to action at Celtic Park after completing another important 90 minutes during the club’s pre-season meeting with Middlesbrough.

The defender has been building his fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an Achilles injury and was pleased to come through another demanding test ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking to CelticPlayer at full-time, Carter-Vickers said: “It was a good game, a good test. They’re a pretty good side, played some good stuff at times. It made us work hard, but it’s good. It’s pre-season, so it’s all about building up fitness.”

The appearance carried added significance for the centre-back, with almost nine months having passed since he last played at Celtic Park.

Asked how he was feeling after such a long absence, he said: “I feel good. Like you said, it’s been a while.

“I think you’re right, it’s almost nine months since I did my Achilles. But getting back fit and feeling pretty good. And looking forward to what’s to come.”

Carter-Vickers’ return gives Martin O’Neill another major option in defence as Celtic continue their preparations for the competitive season.

The American international has been one of the club’s most important defenders in recent years, and getting regular minutes into his legs remains a priority during the final stages of pre-season.

Celtic face AC Milan next, before the league campaign gets underway shortly afterwards. Carter-Vickers believes the upcoming fixture will provide another valuable test for the squad.

He said: “Yeah, I think, obviously, pre-season is about getting ready for the season.

“And obviously, two weeks away now, or two weeks and a couple of days. So, yeah, it’s just been building up to that first game.

“And like you said, next week, AC Milan will be another good test for us and then into the league.”

Carter-Vickers did not feature under O’Neill last season, although he remained around the first-team environment while completing his rehabilitation.

The defender has now had the opportunity to work directly with the Celtic manager on the training pitch and is enjoying his return to the squad.

“It’s been good, obviously,” he said. “Last season, I wasn’t playing, but I was around the training ground, around the squad quite a bit.

“So, I got to see things and pick up stuff last season. But yeah, it’s good to be back and working under him now.”

His comeback arrives at a useful time for Celtic, with the intensity of the fixture schedule set to increase quickly once competitive football begins. The remaining pre-season matches will give Carter-Vickers the chance to sharpen his fitness further before O’Neill makes his first league selection of the campaign.