Ange Postecoglou is ramping up preparations at Celtic for the new season as he takes the Scottish Premiership winning side to Austria.
All the first-team regulars are back at it with the likes of Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Josip Juranovic and Giorgios Giakoumakis making a return to the squad after a delayed start to pre-season following their international exploits at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. The first fixtures is just around the corner, with the Hoops taking on SC Wiener Viktoria on Wednesday before Rapid Vienna on Saturday.
Players like Christopher Jullien are also looking for their first-team chance under the Australian, but Postecoglou hasn't been shy in promoting a host of youngsters from the B team during pre-season. It could be a big chance for six youngsters to make their case for a spot in the squad who will start the league campaign against Aberdeen on July 31.
Johnny Kenny has had a tough time since arriving at Celtic Park in January. However, he was given the chance to catch the eye by the Australian.
The 18-year-old left Sligo Rovers to pen a five-year deal at Parkhead but hasn't got going with the Premiership champions so far. His appearances for the B team were limited after injury and Covid problems after his January arrival, but will look to grasp his chance.
Tobi Oluwayemi was the first-choice stopper in the Lowland League last season for the Celtic youngsters, and has been handed the chance in Vienna. He is rubbing shoulders with experienced Joe Hart and Scott Bain, as well as new recruit Benjamin Siegrist.
Republic of Ireland under-21 cap Bosum Lawal arrived from Watford last summer but didn't make the breakthrough into the Premiership side during his debut campaign. With two years left on his deal he was time on his side having impressed in the fifth tier last term.
Owen Moffat earned a run in the top team, with the striker stepping into a key role at Parkhead last term amid injuries to Kyogo and Giakoumakis. He made three appearances before dropping back to the Lowland League side, but the 20-year-old will be looking for more games in pre-season and next term.
Highly-rated Matthew Anderson also made the trip to Austria. The left-back was previously linked with a move to Leeds United, but Postecoglou will hope to continue the 18-year-old's development.
Ben Summers will also be targeting his breakthrough season next season. The 18-year-old midfielder will hope for first team exposure after training alongside the likes of skipper McGregor this summer.
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