The Banik Ostrava talent Celtic should be keeping transfer eye on tonight

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Later this evening, Celtic will face their third pre-season-friendly fixture as they take on Banik Ostrava.

The Bhoys have been busy getting to work on the training ground as preparations ramps up for the 2022/23 campaign.

Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to the Czech Republic on Tuesday to participate in Banik Ostrava’s 100th-anniversary fixture.

Whilst tonight’s game should prove to be a great occasion for the Czech side, it also gives Postecoglou and his squad another chance to get some minutes in the legs.

The return of competitive action is just a matter of weeks away. So, the Celtic manager will likely be keen to see his squad building their match sharpness across the next two weeks.

Some Celtic supporters might not know too much about tonight’s opponents, who finished 5th place in the Czech top-flight last season.

However, it could be an interesting test for one section of the Celtic squad in particular.

Last season, the Hoops’ backline played a crucial part in the success of Ange Postecoglou’s side, and they will have been looking to build upon that this summer.

Tonight, they face an intriguing test against Banik Ostrava’s young Slovakian striker Ladislav Almasi.

Almasi is a key player for his side, having scored 16 goals in 34 appearances last season. He has also become a full internationalist, earning two caps for Slovakia.

One of the 23-year-old’s main attributes as a striker is his height, coming in at 6ft 5. So, the talented frontman is going to provide a physical test for the Celtic backline.

In previous seasons, we have seen players such as Christopher Jullien struggle with the physicality of SPFL strikers like Lyndon Dykes.

So this evening is a good chance for those playing in defence to show that they can deal expertly with the challenges they might encounter in Scotland and Europe next campaign.

There is also a chance that not only will those playing in the game be keeping a close eye on Almasi, but potentially the Celtic recruitment team.

With Ange Postecoglou looking to add to his striker options this summer, it could be a good chance to see the young Slovakian in action.

I am sure the Celtic manager will be looking forward to a different test that his squad will be facing, learning more about his back four. Whilst also keeping a watchful eye over a potential striker option.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou discusses the positive impact opening friendlies have had on Celtic squad.