The hours are counting down to Celtic 's biggest European occasion for quite some time.
European champions Real Madrid are in town for a mouth-watering Champions League group stage opener at Celtic Park. These occasions don't come much bigger for the Parkhead club and the anticipation has been building from the moment the two clubs were paired in August's UEFA draw.
Los Blancos touched down at Glasgow Airport on Monday morning while just up the road at Lennoxtown, Ange Postecoglou was drilling his players for a huge test of their progress under his stewardship over the past year. Celtic struggled in Europe last year but have taken huge strides under their manager, especially since the beginning of 2022. But just how good can they be? That's the question set to be answered when Carlo Ancelotti's superstars step out in the city's east end. In the meantime, here's five things we spotted at Monday's Lennoxtown session.
Catch us if you can
Some appropriate imagery as Celtic threaten to disappear over the Premiership horizon, even at this early stage of the campaign. Saturday's win over Rangers was a devastating display of strength from the reigning champions and it'd take a brave punter to bet against them retaining their crown come next May.
Not even the loss of their first-choice striker could Celtic off their derby stride and their squad depth was further highlighted by David Turnbull arriving off the bench to help himself a fourth goal. He was on the run from Alexandro Bernabei in Tuesday's session, one which was clearly boosted by a feel-good factor.
It's little wonder why, given the state of play at the club at this moment in time. Just imagine what a win tomorrow night would do.
That's a go for Kyogo
Kyogo's Champions League prospects looked bleak when he trudged out of Saturday's derby after only four minutes. The striker may have been in high spirits at full-time but the fact his arm had been strapped up in a sling didn't say much for his chances of facing Real Madrid.
And yet, there he was, in amongst the action on the training pitch. The Japanese forward was moving freely during the morning session and it seems clear now that the injury was nowhere near as bad as first feared.
It does present Postecoglou with somewhat of a selection headache, given Giorgos Giakoumakis' effectiveness when introduced in his absence. However, if we had to stick our necks out, it feels like Kyogo will be the one to get the nod.
Abildgaard settles in
It was quite the introduction to Scottish football for Oliver Abildgaard. No, the big Dane didn't play a minute at the weekend but he enjoy a prime view of the Premiership's biggest fixture and the cauldron of noise that comes with it.
The 26-year-old got down to business with his new team-mates this morning as he looks to force his way into Postecoglou's side. That's no mean feat at this point in time, mind you, given current form.
But with a packed schedule on the way at home and on the continent, there should be opportunities for Abildgaard to impress. Standing at 6ft 4, perhaps he was crouching down to get on eye level with his new peers, who Postecoglou last week joked would struggle to get on any rides at Disneyland.
Big night for the boss
You won't catch him going on about it, but Tuesday night's fixture is a considerable personal landmark for Postecoglou. Given the team he's moulded in a relatively short space of time, it seems ever more absurd that no European club had taken a punt on him until now.
Few could argue the 57-year-old old Aussie has earned this opportunity as he prepares to manage in the Champions League for the first time. And he could hardly have been handed a bigger fixture to mark the occasion as Real Madrid come to town.
Bernabeu legend Ferenc Puskas, Postecoglou's manager when a player at South Melbourne, left a lasting impact on his career and he's said he's sure his old mentor would be proud.
Jota takes the stage
Real Madrid were reportedly interested in signing Celtic's wing wizard once upon a time, so highly rated was he within Benfica's youth academy. And now the 22-year-old Portuguese star has the chance to show Los Blancos what they could have won.
Jota is in the form of his still-fledgling career and a clash with the European champions is the biggest test of his credentials so far. He's been the outstanding player in Scotland so far this term but it's on the biggest stage he'll be keen to really prove himself.
It goes without saying that Celtic will need their top man on top form if they're to rattle Karim Benzema and Co.
