Matchday eight is almost upon us in the Champions League and we’re all excited.
Celtic make the short trip down south to square off against Premier League side Aston Villa in the final fixture of the League Phase.
The Hoops knew a win over Young Boys would see them into the knockout playoff and Brendan Rodgers‘ side managed it with a nerve-shredding 1-0 victory in Glasgow.
It allows fans to travel to Birmingham tomorrow evening without the pressure of needing a result which could open the game up to be an entertaining one indeed.
A top eight spot is still mathematically possible for Rodgers’ troops albeit it’s unlikely and fans know the permutations and results needed for it to happen.
But the players did not look this morning as though they had a care in the world as they prepared for the tie Unai Emery has warned Celts about.
Here are a few takeaways 67 Hail Hail noted following the LT prep.
- READ MORE: The exact results Celtic need to guarantee Brendan Rodgers a top-eight Champions League place
Jota is back in town
It was a transfer move that seemed to accelerate over the past week but Jota is finally back at Celtic.
The Portuguese winger was spotted training with Celts for the first time in two years this morning as he donned the black and green kit alongside his new Celtic teammates and Rodgers with whom he has never worked.
Jota looked fresh and engaged as he was put through his paces.
Stop it, Anthony Ralston!
At right-back, Ralston has never been considered the most skillful player Celtic have.
The defender is more of a powerhouse than he is a fleet-footed player.
Still, it’s clear the 26-year-old does have the skills to pay the bills as spotted on camera.
On the deck during a rondo, the Hoops man expertly laid the ball off to Nicolas Kuhn, somehow, despite Daizen Maeda and Jota closing in.
It was audacious and described by an onlooking coach as the “best thing he’s ever seen“.
Cameron Carter-Vickers posted missing
The big centre-half was not involved in the training session in Glasgow this morning.
CCV has had injury issues this term so far with his knee and his ankle and Rodgers will undoubtedly explain where the US international was.
But eagle-eyed fans were nervous with no sign of the defender.
It’s likely with not much else to play for tomorrow in the West Midlands that Carter-Vickers would be rested to allow him to be ready for upcoming games instead.
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