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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Steven Mair

5 things we spotted at Celtic training as brilliant Ange Postecoglou picture captures looming Lennoxtown storm

Storm Dudley is here and Eunice isn't far off but in between there will be the thunder of a European night under the Celtic Park lights.

The competition is new but the buzz and anticipation going into Thursday night's Europa Conference League play-off against Bodo/Glimt remains just the same as ever.

Ange Postecoglou's men are all set to take their first step in a tournament he believes is within their reach.

And despite some adverse conditions his stars were all smiles as they were put through their paces up at Lennoxtown.

Here's what we noticed from Wednesday's session ahead of a continental clash to savour.

CalMask remains

After two weeks of use Callum McGregor will be well used to his striking white face mask and now he's been spotted wearing it in training.

Some questioned the call from Postecoglou to get his skipper to don the protective gear, believing it to be rushed ahead of the big derby at the start of this month.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor (SNS Group)

But two weeks later there have been no problems at all with the midfielder's condition, nor his performances.

The technology is available for a reason and Postecoglou's decision seems to have been well vindicated now.

McGregor hopes he won't be wearing it for much longer but expect another run-out for the man in the mask against Bodo.

Karamoko comeback

Whether game time will follow remains to be seen but young talent Karamoko Dembele is back in business.

He completed 90 minutes for Celtic B on Sunday against Vale of Leithen and trained with the first-team on Wednesday.

Karamoko Dembele (SNS Group)

His manager will have been well aware just how highly rated the number 77 is around these parts and the fact Postecoglou is only now able to get a solid look at how he can contribute isn't ideal.

But given the tender age he rose to viral stardom it's easy to forget the young winger only turns 19 next week and he's still got so much room to develop.

But the clock is ticking down on his Hoops contract and he's one the manager will be keeping a close eye on in the coming months.

Picture perfect

Manager Postecoglou lit a fire under his side at half-time and was picked up fuming over some passive play against Raith Rovers.

It's extremely rare for the Celtic boss to come out critical of his players and in fairness they've given him very little to criticise in the past few months.

Looking at the big picture though things are really coming together with January signings bedded in and a raft of players returning from injury.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou (SNS Group)

That being said, Thursday night will be a massive test as he's in the curious situation of a Celtic manager entering a knockout European tie as favourites.

Postecoglou still has a few decisions to make in terms of personnel but they're good problems to have as opposed to the dearth of options he had earlier in the season.

This long range shot with the Dudley mist gathering just overhead is a thing of beauty as he had a moment to himself at Lennoxtown.

Matt of the moment

Matt O'Riley was awed by the Parkhead atmosphere when he soaked up his first derby against Rangers.

No doubt he's heard plenty about what it's like under the lights on a European night as he prepares to savour that occasion for the first time too.

Matt O'Riley (SNS Group)

This week brought the surprise news that he's gunning for a Denmark call-up.

And in a season that has brought twists and turns for Celtic at every juncture, sure, why not?

If he keeps progressing at the current rate there's every chance he could get his wish and that can only be a positive for the Parkhead side.

To the point

We're not sure who's on the other end of this accusatory finger from Tom Rogic.

One thing that's for sure is that the midfielder is now one of a band of players that have grown into leadership roles at the club.

Tom Rogic (SNS Group)

Postecoglou name-dropped him in the same breath as Joe Hart and Callum McGregor as some of the senior players newer or younger faces look to for inspiration.

And it's incredible to think he's appeared close to the Parkhead exit door on more than one occasion in his nine (!) years of service.

The renaissance he's enjoyed under his former national team coach is nothing short of remarkable and the so-called Wizard of Oz could have yet more magic up his sleeve this week.

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