It is not long now until Celtic 's season kicks off with their first Premiership clash just nine days away. But Ange Postecoglou's side still have plenty of pre-season preparations to get through before they welcome Jim Goodwin's Aberdeen side to Parkhead next week.
The players have completed yet another week of tough training as they gear up for their final friendly fixture on Saturday. Norwich City make their way to Glasgow's east end to put the Hoops to the test. And there are plenty of new Celtic recruits ready to show what they are made up in a bid to secure their spot in the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
With the arrival of Aaron Mooy and Moritz Jenz this week, Ange Postecoglou has made it seven for the summer so far. But the boss admitted on Friday that he will still be 'active' in the transfer window, with both incomings and outgoings expected in the coming weeks.
So, it really is all happening. And to help you keep up to date with the goings on, Record Sport have noted five things we spotted from Celtic's training this week.
Congratulations to Giorgios
Giorgos Giakoumakis was absent from Artur Boruc's testimonial friendly with Legia Warsaw, but he had a very good reason. The Celtic striker was given compassionate leave as his partner went into labour with his baby girl arriving earlier this week.
It was his first time back with his teammates since the birth of his daughter and Reo Hatate was on hand to congratulate him straight away. A touching moment between the Greek frontman and the midfielder
Reunited and it feels so good
Celtic signing number six of the summer, Aaron Mooy, has reunited with boss Ange Postecoglou after getting stuck into pre-season preparations at Lennoxtown this week. The Aussie penned a two-year deal meaning he is once again working under his fellow countryman after their time at the Australian national side together.
Mooy became a free agent after reaching a mutual agreement with Chinese side Shanghai Port to terminate his contract after spending two years in the Far East. And after being given the option to make his way to Parkhead, the midfielder revealed that it was an offer he simply could not refuse, with part of his reasoning to do with his positive experience with the current Hoops boss.
Another new man in town
It was a busy week for the Hoops with Tuesday proving particularly hectic (in a good way) as they secure not one, but two new recruits. Following Mooy, the club announced a season long loan deal for Moritz Jenz who joins from French side Lorient.
And it doesn't look like it has taken the centre-back long to find his feet in Glasgow. Pictured during Friday's session at Lennoxtown, the 23-year-old looked focused as he looks to impress his new boss ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. Celtic welcome Norwich to Parkead on Saturday in their final friendly fixture of the summer before things get serious against Aberdeen next Sunday. So, the defender could have his time to shine before the competitive clashes kick off.
All smiles
It isn't often you see Jota without a smile on his face and Liel Abada joined the winger as they grinned (so they could bear it maybe?) during a training session at Lennoxtown on Friday. It's well known that Ange Postecoglou expects 100 per cent from his players with his "We Never Stop' mantra also important on the training ground. But the hard word didn't seem to bother this pair.
Both players enjoyed successful seasons last time out and will be looking for more of the same again this campaign. Jota is about to embark on his first season as a permanent Celtic star, with Abada going into the second of his five-year deal with the green and white. Big things to come from both? Probably.
Handball surely?
New boy Aaron Mooy will be looking to use this weekend's friendly clash to freshen Ange Postecoglou's memory of his potential. But he could maybe use a wee reminder of the footballing rules himself, if this snap is anything to go by...
The Aussie looks to be reaching for the ball with his hand during a session at Lennoxtown. A picture pains a thousand words, but Hoops fans will be hoping this one isn't quite what it looks like.
Joking aside, the midfielder is setting his sights on success as he return to Scottish football once more ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
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