logo
McGregor's honest verdict on Celtic's pre-season progress

McGregor's honest verdict on Celtic's pre-season progress

Celtic ended their pre-season preparations with a penalty shootout victory over Asian champions Al Ahli on Saturday night after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.
"Pre-season has been good," skipper McGregor told Celtic TV. "Every season throws up different challenges of trying to get up to speed, trying to integrate new players and find the rhythm of the team.
Read more:
"At times it's looked really good and there are always bits we can brush up on.
"It's been a good five or six-week block. The boys have worked really hard.
"Everyone knows the objectives and we're ready to go. The big test for us will be next week.
"We'll be ready for St Mirren. We know that they always give you a tough game.
"You always have to try and get on the front foot early doors and impose yourself.
"The start of the week will be nice and chilled, and then we'll ramp it up as we go.
"We've been here a million times, so we know to expect. The players know what's expected of them as well, so come Sunday we have to be ready."
Celtic travel back to Glasgow from Italy this evening. The players will be given a few days off before reporting back to Lennoxtown on Wednesday as flag day preparations ramp up.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Reo Hatate turns Celtic super agent as key role in transfer drive revealed
Reo Hatate turns Celtic super agent as key role in transfer drive revealed

Daily Record

time12 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Reo Hatate turns Celtic super agent as key role in transfer drive revealed

Shin Yamada has lifted the lid on the role the frontman played in his move to the Scottish champions It broke Shin Yamada's heart having to say goodbye to his hometown club in Japan. But the hitman is convinced he'll find love again at Celtic. ‌ The frontman was in tears after his big send-off at Kawasaki Frontale with fans chanting his name and even holding up Scottish flags ahead of his £1.5m move to Glasgow. ‌ Yamada admitted it was an emotional experience that even left him wondering If he'd made the right call to move to the other side of the world. ‌ The feeling didn't last long though as he's always had his heart set in being a success abroad. The 25-year-old got his first take of action for Celt's in Saturday's Como Cup penalty shootout win against Al Ahli – who beat Yamada's Kawasaki side in the Asian Champions League Final back in May. A friendly victory couldn't be classed as revenge but the striker was delighted to bury the winning penalty having looked lively during his second half cameo. Yamada is up and running and ready to throw himself into life at Celtic. He said: 'I am 25 now so I'm not really young any more. 'I wanted to challenge myself. I had options to stay in Japan as well but felt the decision I made was good for my career. 'Kawasaki Frontale is the club where I grew up. It's the club that took care of me since I was in their Academy and I always wanted to contribute to the club. ‌ 'But I also had another dream I wanted to pursue for my career. It was sad for me to leave – but I had to make that decision. 'It was emotional for me. That is a love I really love but by coming to Celtic I believe I can improve myself more. That's why I made my decision.' Yamada didn't take a blind leap of faith coming to Scotland. He's seen some of his fellow Japanese stars soar with Celts and he fancied getting on board. ‌ He revealed he was sold on the move after a chat with midfielder Reo Hatate and he's already got cracking with learning the lingo. He said: 'The staff from at Celtic have told me some things. I have also done some research of my own. 'I have been speaking with Reo and the other guys. I had a video call with Reo before I came over and we had a good chat about everything. ‌ 'He gave me some good recommendations. Having Daizen and Ina here as other Japanese players has also helped me. The club even has an excellent interpreter who has helped me on and off the pitch. 'I plan to learn English myself, having started studying in Japan.I will study more when I get to Scotland but at the moment the language seems very fast!' Yamada insisted he's a quick learner though – on and off the park. He knows he's following in the footsteps of several Japanese smash hits with Celts but wants to be his own man. ‌ The frontman – who is part of his national squad – has admired the likes of Kyogo and Daizen Maeda at Parkhead. But it's a Frontale legend he looks up to the most. Yamada broke into he first team towards the end of club hero Yu Kobayashi's 14 year stint in Kawasaki, in a period where his side secured promotion and merged as regular J-League winners and Asia Champions League competitors. ‌ Yamada picked up a lot from his mentor and he's hoping it pays dividends for the Hoops. When asked about his own heroes, he said: 'There is player called Yu Kobayashi who played for Kawasaki. 'I used to watch him when I played for the academy. When I went to the top teams I used to watch him closely. ‌ 'I liked him personally and also his mentality. He's one of the players I admired.' Yamada got a taste for glory in the Asia Champions League – and he'd love a repeat in the European one. Frontale charged all the way to the Final last season, beating top sides from China before running into big spending Al Ahli. ‌ It proved to be a step too far as Riyad Mahrez and co were too strong and lifted the trophy with a 2-0 win. Yamada savoured the run though and he's determined to help Celts get to the group stages in Euro version. The Hoops face a perilous play-off in less than a month and the striker admitted it would be special to stroll out against the cream of the continent. ‌ He said: 'Obviously the Champions League is something that I have admired. I have been dreaming of playing there. 'If the team is doing well in the tournament then that would be great. And if I can be involved in those great results then that would be something I would be individually grateful for.' Yamada has his own dreams but he is determined to be a team player. It's early days for the attacker but the first impression was positive and he's out to impress more in the coming weeks. The hitman just wants to play his part and he said: 'It's more about the collective of the team. 'I have high confidence I can score goals at that level but without my team-mates I cannot score so I need to improve my connections and communications with the rest of the team. 'That's what I need to improve quickly.'

No need for Celtic transfer panic yet as Rangers get unanimous Jury verdict with Panathinaikos predictions
No need for Celtic transfer panic yet as Rangers get unanimous Jury verdict with Panathinaikos predictions

Daily Record

time12 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

No need for Celtic transfer panic yet as Rangers get unanimous Jury verdict with Panathinaikos predictions

Our Record Sport quartet debate four big questions in Scottish football from European action to transfers ahead of the big kick-off Do you fancy Rangers to come through against Panathinaikos? KEITH JACKSON: A two goal start from the first leg certainly gives Russell Martin and his men a bit of breathing space in scorching Athens but the job is only half done. It could be a long night on Wednesday and especially if the Greeks score early. But if Rangers strike first they could take the sting out of a potentially tricky tie. ‌ CRAIG SWAN: The two-goal cushion earned at Ibrox is priceless and, provided they can see off an expected early thrust from the Greeks, it should be a big enough buffer. ‌ ‌ GRAEME YOUNG: Yes. Their current fragility is cancelled out by their willingness to go for the jugular. Russell Martin won't camp in and they are a threat on the break and that will see them through. MICHAEL GANNON: Rangers can finish the job but it won't be a comfortable night. The Greeks have to go for it and there will be opportunities on the break. Where are Celtic placed heading into the new campaign? KEITH: With some serious work still to do in the transfer market. Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn have gone without being adequately replaced and Jota will be on a treatment table for the rest of this year. As things stand Brendan Rodgers has every right to make demands of his board. CRAIG: The start of the season and the end of the transfer window are two different places. The squad will be stronger by August 31. But it's not fully equipped yet and getting through the Champions League qualifier is vital. GRAEME: The mood music over transfers has been brooding but the product on the pitch has been harmonious bar the gaffe-filled second half against Ajax. Benjamin Nygren appears capable of a Matt O'Riley impact. If they get their marquee signs right then all will be well. ‌ MICHAEL: With a strong squad in a lot of places and gaps in others. Brendan Rodgers knows he's short of attackers but there's time to fill in the blanks. Can Hearts make a genuine push to split the Old Firm under Derek McInnes? KEITH: That's precisely what Derek McInnes will be hoping to achieve. With Rangers going through another summer of transition and Celtic slow off the blocks in the market he'll believe there is an opportunity for Hearts to lay down a meaningful early marker. With no European football to distract them and Tony Bloom's financial muscle, why can't they get involved in the argument? CRAIG: They can make a push towards it, but it's a tall order for the new manager to actually do it in his first season at the club. It's a building job. Derek McInnes should be afforded patience on that front. ‌ GRAEME: It will be tough. Odds of 16/1 for title glory appear bookie bait but Hearts boast a criminally underrated manager who is embracing a brave new dawn. The computer says yes in the coming years but finishing third has to be the main target. MICHAEL: Hearts should be ambitious but it's tough to take on the big two. It the Jambos finish third it's a good achievement. ‌ Who is best equipped to make a splash in the Premiership of the promoted sides, Falkirk or Livingston? KEITH: Falkirk have been catching the eye for some time on their journey up through the leagues. Fingers crossed they'll be a breath of fresh air now they're finally back in the top flight. CRAIG: Tough call. John McGlynn has a vibrant young team and David Martindale is a maestro at Livi. Perhaps both can, but it's going to be some scrap again at the bottom. GRAEME: Falkirk, John McGlynn has the air of an accidental hero about him but there's nothing lucky about his success with the Bairns. Their willingness to play their own daring way will once again yield results. MICHAEL: Livingston will be back like they were never away and as tough as ever, especially at home. Falkirk will surprise a few teams and don't bet against them staying up.

Celtic ‘in the mix' to sign Manchester City starlet who's started in UCL but ‘face competition from Championship sides'
Celtic ‘in the mix' to sign Manchester City starlet who's started in UCL but ‘face competition from Championship sides'

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Celtic ‘in the mix' to sign Manchester City starlet who's started in UCL but ‘face competition from Championship sides'

CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers urged his board to make more new signings after their 5-1 friendly defeat to Ajax. And the Hoops are reportedly looking to add defensive reinforcements from the top of the English Premier League. Advertisement 3 Brendan Rodgers has revealed he wants more signings at Celtic this summer Credit: Alamy 3 The Hoops have been linked with the loan signing of a Manchester City youth team captain Credit: Getty 3 Jahmai Simpson-Pusey made his first-team debut for City last season Credit: Getty A new report from CeltsAreHere says Celtic have made a loan offer to Manchester City for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. Simpson-Pusey made his first City appearance against the Hoops last summer, starting in a friendly in North Carolina which Celts won 4-3. The centre-back made his senior debut last season too and played six times in total for Pep Guardiola's side, including starts in the Premier League and Champions League. Those starts came during a difficult spell for City though and included a 4-1 defeat to Sporting CP, with Simpson-Pusey returning to the club's academy team for the last few months of the campaign. Advertisement The 19-year-old ended up being named Premier League 2 Player of the Year as he captained City to the title, and now reportedly wants to test himself back in senior football. The report claims that Celts will face competition from the English Championship for Simpson-Pusey, but that their status as a European side who will be competing for titles could make them favourites for his signature. It's also reported that the Manchester native will be the one to decide his destination for the 25/26 season. Rodgers has already seen central defenders Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke move on this summer, with Stephen Walsh possibly also on the way out. Advertisement Simpson-Pusey would be the latest in a line of players to star for both the Hoops and City. The 2000s saw the likes of Craig Bellamy, Georgios Samaras and Willo Flood feature for both sides. Shock scenes as Celtic and Ajax fans clash during Como Cup friendly tournament in Italy City's 2008 takeover and subsequent success meant that many of the ex-Blues to play for Celtic in the 2010s were younger players sent to cut their teeth north of the border. Amongst them were stars such as Scott Sinclair, Patrick Roberts and Jeremie Frimpong. Advertisement Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store