After a long summer break, pre-season is now very much upon us.
Over the past seven days, Ange Postecoglou’s squad have slowly been integrating themselves back into training at Lennxtown.
The last of the arrivals returned early today, with those on international duty in June coming back in time to travel to the training camp in Austria.
Of course, the next five weeks will provide the first-team regulars with a chance to get back to full fitness and be ready for the up-and-coming campaign.
However, it also provides fringe players or youngsters with an opportunity to attempt Ange Postecoglou and force their way into his plans.
As is usually custom at this time of year, several young players from the club’s academy have been spotted training amongst the first team over the last week.
Now, eight players who featured for the Celtic B side in the Lowland League last season have travelled with the squad to Austria and will now spend time at the training base.
Bosun Lawal, Josh Dede, Matthew Anderson, Ben Summers, Owen Moffat and Rocco Vata have all been selected to continue their time amongst the squad.
Whilst Tobi Oluwayemi and Johnny Kenny have also made the trip but are technically classed as members of the first team, having spent the back end of 2021/22 at Lennoxtown.
With the first friendly match coming in just two days’ time against SC Wiener Viktoria, the majority of players returning from international duty aren’t expected to feature.
So, that could provide the talented youngsters with the chance to impress and earn more minutes during this pre-season camp.
It will be intriguing to see which players do play a part in each game, and it might suggest who Ange Postecoglou has a close eye on.
Supporters will also be hoping to catch a glimpse of the emerging talents coming from the club, and pre-season is usually the best opportunity to see that taking place.
In other news, South Melbourne produce latest classy Ange Postecoglou Celtic gesture.
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