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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

5 things we spotted at Celtic training as David Turnbull makes starting case while Albian Ajeti holds mystery talks

A win over Aberdeen capped off a perfect end to the Celtic 's Flag Day celebrations on the opening day of the season, but the Scottish champions will now hit the road.

Ross County have proved to be a tough test for the Hoops in recent season and Ange Postecoglou will have his side well drilled ahead of the trip to Dingwall. Malky Mackay steered the Staggies to a top six finish last season and they impressed again during their season opener despite defeat to Hearts.

Postecoglou also has some big decisions to make with Reo Hatate out through injury, and the out of favour midfielders were desperate to catch the eye during the final session at Lennoxtown before the trip to the Highlands. With the transfer window open the likes of Albian Ajeti, James McCarthy and Christopher Jullien were also attempting to fight their way back into the first-team picture.

Here are 5 things we spotted ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash against County.

Taylor made for it

Greg Taylor has made the left-back slot at Celtic his own under Ange Postecoglou. After winning the first game of the campaign in front of a packed Celtic Park, the full-back kept the celebrations going on at training.

Greg Taylor jumping for joy during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown (SNS Group)

There looked to be a good mood at Lennoxtown with Taylor keeping the good vibes going behind the scenes. He was loving his success in one of Ange Postecoglou's sessions.

It got a smile out of Daizen Maeda and David Turnbull, that's for sure.

Raising the bar?

Carl Starfelt is back in the picture at Celtic after his pre-season preparations were derailed by injury. A knock picked up on international duty means the Swede has yet to make an appearance this term.

Carl Starfelt and Mortiz Jenz during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown (SNS Group)

But the centre-back was all smiles as he put the first week of training behind him. He was seen offering a word of advice to Mortiz Jenz, or maybe signalling the bar he set for Celtic defenders last season?

Jenz will hope to learn from Starfelt during his Lorient loan. And Celtic fans will be hoping to see the Sweden cap get minutes against Ross County.

Turn-ing a corner

David Turnbull has been in and out of the Celtic side since his return from a hamstring injury last term. He impressed as he came off the bench against Livingston on the opening day of the season.

(SNS Group)

The Scotland cap will be desperate for a start against Ross County in the absence of Reo Hatate. He looked to be at the races in training as he attempted to catch Ange Postecgolou's attention.

He showed a turn of pace during the session as he out-sped Josip Juranovic at Lennoxtown.

Speaking winger to winger

When Harry Kewell arrived at Celtic Park it was almost guaranteed the wingers at the club could pick up plenty of tips from the former Liverpool star. Jota is all too happy to sit under that learning tree.

(SNS Group)

After signing his permanent move from Benfica, the Portuguese star showed in the first competitive game why Celtic splashed the cash with his wonder striker against Livingston. However, the 23-year-old will want to continue to his progress.

Kewell and Jota were snapped sharing a candid moment as the Australian offered the Celtic fan favourite advice.

Albian on the radar

Albian Ajeti has struggled for minutes under Ange Postecoglou, and failed to make the squad against Aberdeen on the opening day. Speculation has ramped up that the Swiss striker could be heading out of the door as Celtic look to trim their squad.

Ange Postecoglou (L) and Albian Ajeti during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown (SNS Group)

But Ange Postecoglou was keen to applaud his forgotten striker at Lennoxtown. Could the hard work behind the scenes pay off with a surprise appearance against Ross County after plaudits from his boss, or were they discussing a potential move?

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