Celtic continued their preparations for the new Premiership season by thrashing Newcastle United 4-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon in Glasgow.
Some stellar names were on show from both sides, including the return of Kieran Tierney after he played his first game at Celtic Park since 2019 following his return this summer from Arsenal.
However, for Newcastle, two of their star names were missing from the matchday squad Eddie Howe put out – Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
There has been considerable transfer noise surrounding Isak this summer, with one of Europe’s top strikers, the target of English champions Liverpool, and the deep pockets of the Saudi Pro League.
Why Alexander Isak and Joelinton missed Newcastle’s friendly against Celtic
At the end of the day, if you are Celtic, and given that the new season starts on August 3 against St Mirren, you want the opponents to test you as much as possible so you are best prepared.
But Howe decided to leave Isak out because of the transfer noise around him, and he, in fact, ‘sent home’ despite being ‘fit’.
Joelinton is another important player for the Magpies, but his situation was different, as Howe didn’t want to risk the hard-hitting defensive midfielder.
Sky reporter Keith Downie wrote on social media, Howe’s comments:
‘It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us, but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.’
Mark Douglas added from Howe:
‘Both (Joelinton & Isak) are fit but not ready to play. Alex has trained and is fine, but we didn’t want to take the risk with him.
On Isak: ‘It’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player. Alex is happy at #nufc, he loves the players, the staff, and the team. I’m confident he’ll be here at the start of the season.’
Johnny Kenny scores again for Celtic
There were a number of positives to come out of this for the champions of Scotland, not least what is happening up front.
Rodgers is still looking for a striker, despite Celtic signing Shin Yamada and introducing him to the Parkhead crowd against Newcastle.
But whilst the Hoops search for more goals, Kenny netted again, after he pounced on a mistake from Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope after a ball over the top.
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