Celtic concluded their pre-season on a triumphant note by winning James Forrest’s testimonial, their final friendly before squaring off against Ross County in the league opener this Saturday.
After an early setback, Celtic rallied back with Reo Hatate equalising, paving the way for a spirited comeback. Alexandro Bernabei, introduced at the start of the second half, brought the Hoops level again, courtesy of a splendid play involving David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley. The match’s winning strike came from Turnbull, who capitalised on Oh’s precision cut-back.
This encouraging victory has surely provided Brendan Rodgers with considerable insights heading into the new season. Below, we highlight three critical takeaways from Celtic’s 3-2 triumph over Athletic Club.
1. The Imperative Presence of Carter-Vickers
Cameron Carter-Vickers marked his return from injury by commanding the defence in the first half. His stalwart performance at the back was instrumental in thwarting numerous threats from Athletic Club. The Hoops’ first-half resilience owed much to Carter-Vickers, who proved irreplaceable in preventing a more significant deficit.
Exhibiting no rustiness, he slotted back seamlessly into Celtic’s defence, indicating his significant role in the forthcoming season’s success.
2. Left-Back Competition Heats Up
The contest for the left-back position has become intriguing with contrasting styles displayed by Bernabei and Taylor. Bernabei’s impressive attacking prowess, evident in his pre-season performances and two goals, has made a strong case for his inclusion in the starting eleven. Rodgers will have some thinking to do. Could Bernabei potentially usurp Taylor’s starting position?
3. A Night of Rewarded Loyalty
The testimonial match was a special occasion, celebrating James Forrest’s loyalty to Celtic. Despite recent seasons spent largely on the bench, Forrest never sought an exit, exemplifying his unwavering dedication to the Hoops.
The team and fans turned up en masse, making the night memorable for Forrest, who is the joint third-most decorated player in Celtic’s history. An excellent ambassador for the club, his legacy is assured in Celtic’s annals.
The testimonial was not only a celebration of Forrest’s illustrious career but also an important preparatory match, offering invaluable lessons for Rodgers and his squad as they gear up for the new season.
Good game no time waisting to teams going at each other thats the way fans want football to be played but might be a while we will see it again back to teams park the bus and blaitant time waisting snd coaches getting praised for it young dane holm was the best of the newcomers a lot fitter hes class big pole yes he did well two south koreans winger was willing midfielder needs time but has a goid touch promising of the old school
O Riley and turnbull played well hata good goal but has to stop blind passes same against wolves caught in possesion maybe mind somewhere else he be dropped to bench for now argetinain great goal but still lises concentration close between him and taylor japanese madia brilliant kyoko one cance unlucky but made some great runs abada looks like hes enjoying his football again oh some impressive passes good assist hard to keep him out the team kyoko might be for spl packed defences he just beed a sniff id be happy with oh if kyoko gets hurt but will get plenty minutes as i think they all will 5 subs ruke will help celtic and brendan