What we spotted from Celtic training before Kilmarnock clash as key man returns

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Celtic face off against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup later this evening.

Brendan Rodgers has teased rotation for the clash at Parkhead with 67 Hail Hail predicting Celtic’s lineup vs Killie with a host of changes expected.

Derek McInnes’ side are often difficult to break down and that’s where the Hoops will have to be at their best to break down a rigid defence.

Luckily Celts have one top performer back following injury and he was on the Lennoxtown training pitch yesterday in preparation for the cup tie at 5.30pm.

Here, we pored over training footage and picked out some key takeaways…

• READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers makes big Scottish Cup Auston Trusty call as Celtic start treble bid vs Kilmarnock, predicted XI

Daizen Maeda back for Celtic

Maeda has become one of the most vital components of the Hoops XI this term with his goal scoring tally much improved from last season.

The Japanese attacker was missing vs Dundee and Ross County but Rodgers will be chuffed to have his talisman back.

The manager explained how it was a “circuit breaker” for the player which kept him out and now he’s available to play if called upon.

All fun and games

The fact that Celtic sit 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership points to a happy environment inside Celtic Park.

The Hoops are staring at a Champions League knockout playoff with one more win and that, too, contributes to the feelgood factor.

As was clear in Celtic TV‘s footage from the session, the atmosphere within the camp is a positive one with the players laughing and joking around despite being put through their paces by the coaching staff.

It was all smiles and that should come as no surprise given this season’s form so far. Keep it going!

Valle still involved

Alex Valle is closing in on a move to Como with Kieran Tierney poised to make a Celtic comeback in this January transfer window.

The Spaniard has had his deal greenlit by Barcelona and is just waiting on the final details being confirmed.

Until then, though, the manager has made it clear he is a Celtic player and he was happily running hard on the training pitch with his teammates.