Celtic’s pre-season came to a satisfying conclusion on Saturday as Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys ran out 2-0 winners at home to Norwich City.
It was a competitive 90 minutes up against one of the better sides in the English Championship this year.
Still, it was the quality of Celtic that shone through in the end after fine finishes from Daizen Maeda and David Turnbull in each half.
The afternoon’s star and conductor was Japanese international Reo Hatate, who had a significant influence on the match from the middle of the park.
Both defensively and offensively he was a presence, but it was his on-ball work that really caught the eye with some nice drives forward, slick passing and general control of the game providing much delight for the home support.
He’s undoubtedly been the stand-out of pre-season so far and looks primed to really show Scottish football what he can offer in the opening weeks of the season. It’s a certainty he will start at home to Aberdeen next week. If he can keep this form up, we’re in for a treat.
Elsewhere there were home debuts for Moritz Jenz and Aaron Mooy.
Jenz came into the game for half an hour and was immediately called into action with a nice sliding block to cut out a low cross, as well as clearing a bouncing ball in the box for a corner.
Later he looked confident and composed on the ball, passing the ball between his teammates.
Mooy didn’t have much to get stuck into towards the end of the game, on for just 15 minutes, but will still find exposure to his first football since Australia duty last month useful.
Celtic were the better side throughout but the Canaries did work Joe Hart on two or three occasions, with the English goalkeeper looking sharp and ready to start the season proper.
Credit also has to go to Maeda for his filthy backheel finish that took Tim Krul by surprise in the Norwich goal to open the scoring. That one is worth looking up if you missed it.
Turnbull’s goal was well taken too, after an interception from Hatate allowed Giakoumakis to set the Scottish international up in the box. Turnbull used his quick feet to create space before sliding coolly into the far corner.
Celtic look ready to go, and I can’t wait to see the team perform on flag day.
In other news, Celtic launch new season ticket initiative.
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