Martin O'Neill has revealed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's return to Celtic for pre-season was because the midfielder was getting married and then going on honeymoon.
The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder signed a new one-year deal to remain at Parkhead for the 2026/27 season after being brought to the club as a free transfer last term.
However, Oxlade-Chamberlain was not in the squad for the trip to Ireland to face Shelbourne, joining up with his team-mates in Portugal ahead of the Sporting CP match.
He came off the bench in the 4-1 loss to the Portuguese side last week but starts against Middlesbrough at Celtic Park this afternoon.
Speaking to Celtic TV, O'Neill explained: "Alex was doing some work last year before we picked him up. But that was intermittent work.
"He's missed some time because he got married and had a honeymoon, stuff like that, things that can't be prevented, I suppose.
"Today, starting the game I think is important for him."
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On the importance of the match for Cameron Carter-Vickers after an injury-plagued season last term, O'Neill said: "Cameron Carter-Vickers had pre-season last year then got injured and he's been out for a long time so pre-season for him is absolutely vital.
New signing Camilo Duran has also been handed a start against the English Championship side, with O'Neill keen to see him carry on from his goalscoring first outing last week.
"It is a chance for him to bond with the team and pick up where he left off against Sporting," said the Celtic boss.
"He's on a few minutes, closes down, gets a goal for his reward.
"Little things like that there are important for him, gives him a boost of confidence and gets him to know the players."
