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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

5 things we spotted at Celtic training as Daizen Maeda struggles in the snow and Tom Rogic returns

The Celtic players were put through their paces at Lennoxtown on Friday with Scottish football still feeling the shockwaves of derby day.

Ange Postecoglou's men are top of the Premiership after seeing off Rangers in a resounding victory at Celtic Park.

The players lapped up an electric atmosphere at full-time, but now know that they need to keep the wave of momentum going against Motherwell.

They can't afford a slip up at Fir Park and Postecoglou was putting the squad through their paces ahead of the trip to Lanarkshire.

Here are five things we spotted at Lennoxtown.

Snow way he's happy

(SNS Group)

It was a typical Scottish winter's day at Lennoxtown, and some of the new summer recruits were feeling the ice cold conditions.

The snow was falling and Daizen Maeda was snapped covering his head in the blustery conditions.

It's been a whirlwind week for the striker having raced back from international duty to come off the bench against Rangers, so the snow was probably the last thing he wanted to see as he warms up for Motherwell.

Josip the joker

Matt O'Riley and Josip Juranovic warm up at Lennoxtown during Celtic training (SNS Group)

This pair have quickly made themselves fan favourites at Celtic Park.

Versatile Josip Juranovic has proved to be valuable in both wing-back positions, and Matt O'Riley has quickly settled into the Celtic midfield.

The partnership is flourishing off the pitch as well as well as down the right flank as the duo share a joke during the warm up.

Mask off for McGregor

(SNS Group)

The Celtic skipper rightly earned plaudits from fans for battling through the pain barrier against Rangers.

He raced back from a cheekbone injury for derby day, wearing a protective mask during the win at Celtic Park.

The 3-0 win might be the last time fans see the mask, though, as he went through training without the precautionary measure.

However, after the result on Wednesday, McGregor might take it in his training bag anyway as a good luck charm.

Rogic returns

(SNS Group)

The Australian missed the derby day victory over Rangers while on international duty, but was back at Lennoxtown being put through his paces by Ange Postecoglou.

He might have a bit of work on his hands to win his place back in the starting XI, though, with Matt O'Riley, Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor impressing and back to full fitness.

Maybe he was asking the gaffer about the chances of a start at Fir Park in this snowy snap?

Happy days for Ange

(SNS Group)

It's a sight that Celtic fans are becoming accustomed to - a beaming Ange Postecoglou.

While cutting a serious figure in press conferences and on the touchline, it will have been hard to stop the Australian smiling after THAT derby day demolition.

Even a flurry of snow couldn't bring down Postecoglou's spirits with his side sitting at the top of the Premiership.

Another against Motherwell will only see the delight on his face continue to grow.

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