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Robbie Copeland

5 things we spotted at Celtic training as Harry Kewell makes his mark and grinning Jota laps up return

Celtic are on their way to Austria for a pre-season training camp but there was time to squeeze in one last session at Lennoxtown before they flew out. And Ange Postecoglou took full advantage of that as he put his stars through their paces in the Glasgow sunshine.

The Australian has acted fast in the transfer market and that means Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers are back for a full pre-season, while new signings Benji Siegrist and Alexandro Bernabei had the chance to get up to speed with their new teammates. They were both spotted in action as they donned their new training gear for the first time.

The Hoops face Wiener Viktoria in their first friendly on Wednesday as they tour Austria and the Czech Republic to prepare for their title defence, and a crack at the Champions League. And while the mood seemed jovial in the camp, there was plenty of work to be done before they boarded the flight.

Record Sport have taken a look at the Lennoxtown session and here are five things that stood out.

Welcome aboard

There aren't expected to be swathes of new faces at Celtic Park this summer. Tying down Jota and Carter-Vickers took up a chunk of the budget and there is no need to fix what isn't broken, after all.

Postecoglou though wanted a new backup to Joe Hart and he got one in former Dundee United stopper Benji Siegrist. He knocked back several clubs in England to join Celtic and Postecoglou gave him a warm welcome as he pulled the gloves back on.

Benjamin Siegrist is greeted by Ange Postecoglou (SNS Group)

First-team football might be hard to come by for the Swiss with Joe Hart firmly lodged in as No.1 keeper. But Siegrist will be up for the challenge of pushing him all the way and he joined Hart on the training pitch.

But what does his arrival mean for Scott Bain, who spent last season as second-choice to the Englishman? He joined in too and won't be giving up his space in the squad without a fight.

Berna-bhoy

Another man looking to impress in the early stages of his career is new left-back Alexandro Bernabei. He arrives from Argentine side Lanus for a fee close to £4m and will compete with Greg Taylor for the starting spot.

Alexandro Bernabei in training (SNS Group)

The 21-year-old comes with a fiery reputation and his relentless running will likely make him a favourite of Postecoglou's in years to come. He was seen getting his left peg on the ball and certainly didn't look out of place among his new teammates.

Glad to be back

It was the signing every Celtic fan was desperate to see and it arrived just in time for pre-season commencing. Jota is back on a five-year deal and it looks like he couldn't be happier about it.

(SNS Group)

And why wouldn't he be delighted? His career at Benfica had stagnated but 13 goals and 14 assists for the Hoops last season set him back on track and he'll be hoping to carry that form into the Champions League.

If that infectious grin on his face tells you anything, it's that he's rested up and raring to go. He'll be a key man once again this season.

Notable absences

Quite often what you don't see can be just as revealing as what you do. And that's certainly the case here with a couple of notable absences from the training ground.

Neither Ismaila Soro or Boli Bolingoli were anywhere to be seen and it's possible the out-of-favour duo have been told they don't have futures at Celtic Park. Midfielder Soro hasn't been named in a squad since February while Bolingoli made just two appearances all season - despite being the only available senior left-back outside of Taylor.

Celtic players in training (SNS Group)

Players may need to be moved on before any further arrivals and those two look likely to be heading for the exit door. Their apparent absence from Lennoxtown seems only to confirm the inevitable.

Learning from the best

Postecoglou opted not to bring in any of his own coaching team last summer, instead getting the likes of John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan up to speed with his way of thinking. But this season he's made an addition of his own with Harry Kewell joining as part of a back-room shake-up.

And the former Liverpool star was seen hanging on every word as he looks to take Postecoglou's teachings into his own coaching game. The two were seen deep in conversation as Kewell gets to grips with life at his new club.

Harry Kewell and Ange Postecoglou (SNS Group)

"I am really pleased that Harry has agreed to join my staff," Postecoglou said previously."He knows the game inside out at the highest level and wants to play football the way myself and my team see it.

"I know he is hugely excited about joining Celtic. He is well aware of the scale of the club, what our ambitions are and I know he will make a really positive difference to my team."

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