Celtic earned their first pre-season victory last night following an enthralling 6-4 victory over Queens Park at The city Stadium.
Following an unusual scoreline, it is important to remember that fitness is the base aim in friendly matches, with 22 individuals receiving an opportunity on Glasgow’s southside.
Intriguingly, it was the Bhoys’ pressing that Brendan Rodgers took most issue with, not their defensive work. The Irishman is already showing his ruthless streak, which can only bode well for the coming season as high standards take centre stage.
Credit has to go to Queens Park for their part in an entertaining encounter. Scoring four goals against the Scottish Premiership champions is no mean feat, and Callum Davidson’s side put together some nice passages of play in a game for the neutral.
Post-match, the former St Johnstone manager and Spiders winger Dom Thomas, formerly of the Celtic Academy, gave their assessment of the Hoops and why the experience was a worthwhile endeavour to be involved in.
Callum Davidson on Celtic
Speaking after his side’s tussle with Celtic, Davidson acknowledged the value of some of his youngsters facing off against some star-studded names from the away dressing room.
He explained: “I’ll probably take the positives; I thought some of the young lads did well when they came on; it’s a great experience for them; it’s a good game for them. It’s great seeing Celtic here; obviously, they had some of their top players out there as well, missing a few, but for me it’s all about that game towards Saturday.”
In a separate interview, Queens Park winger Thomas, a prominent Celtic supporter, offered his reflection on the experience of facing off against some ‘top’ players within the Spiders’ pre-season schedule.
He stated [Queens Park FC]: “I think it’s great for everybody, we’re playing against top players that move the ball really well and maybe you’ll not play against teams like that every week, so it’s great for us and overall it’s pre-season ait’s good to get a workout in.
“Sometimes, you need to sit off the ball. They’re good players; you’ve got to show them that respect, and then you’ve got to go and play, and I think we did that. Later, he added: “Overall, I think tonight was a great workout, and we look forward to the cup on Saturday.”
Celtic need to be the benchmark once again in Scottish football
Celtic are highly-heralded within Scottish football circles and nobody will be in any doubt that based on last season, the Bhoys enter the title race as the team to beat in this country.
Nevertheless, that benchmark needs to continue. Relying on former successes won’t cut it; once the first whistle goes on August 4th against Kilmarnock, the champions need to prove themselves all over again.
Challenges will present themselves, and there will be moments where mental fortitude is required to secure vital results on the road to further silverware.
Pre-season is an important time to lay the foundations for success. Excitement is growing for the coming term, and it is refreshing to see how other sides view Celtic across the football pyramid.
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