Celtic have wrapped up their pre-season training camp in Portugal and now turn their attention to tonight’s friendly against Sporting CP at the Estadio Algarve.
Martin O’Neill’s side arrived in the Algarve after opening their summer schedule with a 1-1 draw against Shelbourne, with Shin Yamada converting a late penalty in Dublin.
The test against Sporting represents a step up in quality and should offer a clearer indication of where the squad is after a week of intensive work in the Portuguese heat. Kick-off is at 5.30pm.
O’Neill is expected to field a strong starting XI before likely making changes as the game progresses, much like he did against Shelbourne. With fitness still the priority, minutes across the squad will be carefully managed.
Several academy players have travelled with the first team and have spent the week training alongside senior professionals. It is another valuable opportunity for the club’s young talent to experience the demands of the first-team environment.
There were encouraging signs elsewhere on the training pitch.
Reo Hatate returned to training after missing the draw with Shelbourne through illness. The midfielder has been the subject of continued speculation over his future, but his involvement in Portugal suggests he is back available ahead of tonight’s fixture.
Captain Callum McGregor also looked sharp throughout the sessions despite fresh rumours surrounding his future. The midfielder has been linked with a reunion with former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in Saudi Arabia after joining the same agency.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was another notable presence after signing a new one-year contract. The former England international linked up with the squad in Portugal and could get valuable minutes against Sporting as he continues to build match fitness ahead of the new campaign.
Arne Engels also trained despite renewed interest from Nottingham Forest. The Premier League club had a £25 million bid rejected in January, while fresh reports have claimed a formal offer has now been submitted for the Belgian midfielder.
O’Neill insisted he has not been made aware of any new bid, leaving the speculation exactly where it is for now.
One player missing from training was new signing Camilo Duran, who was absent through illness. That makes a debut against Sporting highly unlikely, with Saturday’s home friendly against Middlesbrough now looking like the earliest opportunity for supporters to see him in Celtic colours.
With Sporting providing another demanding test before Middlesbrough arrive at Celtic Park, the focus remains on building fitness, integrating new faces and giving O’Neill a clearer picture of where his squad stands before the competitive action begins.
Keep Reading
One Response
same all terrible but thats our way of signing but signing players in europe is a slow process unless they are not wanted by there club or out of contract I know we will lose players and bring players in but new players have missed the training that builds them up for the season its frustrating but if nothing getting done Martin O’Neil won’t stand for it thats my take our manager will be knocking boardroom doors telling them get the players in now even if it cost what the selling club want get it done