Celtic’s preparations for next season are beginning to come into focus, despite the continued uncertainty over who will be in charge when the players return for pre-season.
According to a report from SunSport, the Hoops are expected to travel to Dublin next month for a friendly match against League of Ireland side Shelbourne.
The fixture has not been officially announced, but it is understood discussions have been progressing as Celtic finalise their summer schedule ahead of a campaign that includes a crucial Champions League play-off later in August.
The Hoops already appear to have a busy pre-season programme developing.
A trip to Ireland would provide a very different test.
Shelbourne currently have a gap in their fixture calendar due to receiving a bye in the opening round of Conference League qualifying. That break in competitive action reportedly makes the Dublin club an attractive opponent as Celtic look for suitable early-summer preparation.
The clubs have crossed paths before, although it has been many years since they last met in a friendly setting.
Should the match go ahead, it would also mark Celtic’s first appearance in Dublin since their pre-season clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Aviva Stadium in 2023.
What makes the situation slightly unusual is the timing.
While plans for friendlies appear to be moving forward, Celtic are still yet to appoint a permanent manager. Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane continue to be linked with the position, with reports suggesting discussions have taken place in recent days.
That means pre-season arrangements are being put in place before a final decision has been made on who will lead the team into the new campaign.
For now, supporters are waiting on confirmation. If the reports are accurate, however, a summer trip across the Irish Sea could soon become part of Celtic’s build-up to the 2026/27 season.
