Three players Celtic fans want to see more of vs DC United as new season buzz hits

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Celtic are enjoying their time in the United States as they prepare to face DC United in the early hours of Sunday morning.

In the first instalment of their three-match pre-season tour, the Bhoys travel to Audi Field and will be cheered on by a healthy band of Stateside-based supporters.

Despite friendlies against Ayr United and Queens Park already taking place, the clash against DC United will offer the first indication of what Brendan Rodgers’ first team could look like heading into the new campaign.

Competition for places is fierce and fans will be excited to see their heroes stepping up preparations in pre-season. Here’s a look at three players Celtic fans will be excited to see more of in Washington.

Celtic fans may be able to get a glimpse of their new stoppers

Finally, Celtic have sorted out their goalkeeping position after adding free agent Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa for £1 million.

Assessing the situation, I believe fans are more likely to get a glimpse of Sinisalo at Audi Field than Schmeichel, given that the Finland international has already spent time training with his new teammates.

Stranger things have happened; there may well be a scenario where both stoppers make their Celtic debut. Either way, there will be mass intrigue to see how they get on this weekend following the prolonged search for a new goalkeeper coming to an end.

Ideally, it would’ve been nice to see some new outfield bodies in time for the start of the tour. Nevertheless, sorting out the last line of defence was crucial for Celtic this summer, and they have added the ideal blend of youth and experience between the sticks.

Luis Palma will be desperate to build on his debut season

Celtic have several players who contributed to their domestic double last campaign and will be keen to go on and establish themselves as a nailed-on starter under Rodgers.

Luis Palma produced some encouraging numbers in 2023/24, registering ten goals and ten assists in total. Nevertheless, eight of his strikes and nine of his assists came before Christmas, so there will be added motivation for the Honduras international to find his groove again.

Over the summer break, Palma shone with three assists against Bermuda in World Cup qualifying, delivering a timely reminder of the quality he possesses ahead of returning for pre-season.

The hope for Celtic is he can replicate his early season from last term. If he can enjoy a productive outing against DC United, he’ll be on his way to staking a serious claim for starting opportunities.

Reo Hatate will put a smile on the face of Celtic supporters

In all honesty, everyone wants to see Reo Hatate start in the Celtic engine room because he is capable of producing moments of footballing excellence.

The Japan international has stepped up his preparations for the season over the last few days after appearing for the Bhoys in a closed-door friendly against Burnley.

Rodgers confirmed that Hatate and Daizen Maeda took part in the exercise at the Clarets’ Gawthorpe training ground; meanwhile, the others involved in summer internationals are match-ready and back involved with the group, except Alistair Johnston.

Ultimately, the next step for the former Kawasaki Frontale midfielder is to feature against DC United to improve his match fitness. Hopefully, the 26-year-old can gain some valuable minutes against Major League Soccer opposition.