Celtic made it through a tough Hampden Park encounter with Kilmarnock and will want only their second home league clash of the year to go as planned.
The only stumbling block - St Mirren - as Stephen Robinson's men remain the only side to inflict a blemish on an otherwise squeaky-clean record for Ange Postecoglou's league leaders. It was a stunning afternoon in Paisley last year that saw the Scottish champions perish but the chance to get revenge is well on the cards in Glasgow on Wednesday.
And while temperatures hit sub-zero in Scotland, the Hoops took to the Lennoxtown pitch to warm up and get over those January blues. Glasgow Live Sport spotted a few things at Celtic training:
READ MORE: The Daizen Maeda Celtic exit factor Ange Postecoglou 'won't block' as pundit shares transfer theory
Oliver says 'Please Ange, may I have a start?'
OIiver Abildgaard is a name Celtic fans might have forgotten this season but the Danish deadline day arrival is still vying for a spot.
The enforcer midfielder was brought in on the eleventh hour of the summer window to bolster midfield options, but with the emergence of the likes of Aaron Mooy and the unwavering form of Reo Hatate, the Dane has found the opportunity for starts too much to handle.
Reports last month suggest Abildgaard's loan deal in Glasgow was in danger of being cut short with the player only making an hour's worth of appearances in league action. But the 26-year-old is still in amongst it at Lennoxtown and with a Scottish Cup tie with Morton coming up he may be looking to turn Postecoglou's head this week.
Sead over winter blues
Sead Haksabanovic hasn't kicked a ball for Celtic in 2023 but the winger seems to be over his winter blues and ready for action.
The Montenegro international was cooking up a run of form before an injury ruled him out of action for a few weeks with Postecoglou providing regular updates on his status. In his absence, Celtic have not been short of form from wingers Liel Abada and more prominently Daizen Maeda but the 23-year-old will be hoping a packed fixture list offers some space for rotation.
And of course, a cheeky chat with Josip Juranovic was on the mind - perhaps a welcome break from swirling transfer rumours.
Reo ready
Reo Hatate reporting for duty is a welcome sight for Celtic fans as the midfielder continues on solid form.
The Japanese star will be hoping for yet more game time as he becomes an integral part of Postecoglou's formula while counterpart Matt O'Riley has only made the bench on a few occasions recently.
But the fan favourite is locked and loaded for St Mirren and was perhaps sporting a new celebration idea although some Celtic fans might find it too similar to that of rival Rangers star Scott Arfield.
Salute.
READ NEXT:
- Ange Postecoglou in Cho Gue sung Celtic transfer address as he makes 'barber's neighbour' quip
- Chris Sutton aims Rangers dig as Celtic hero issues North London derby 'lifetime ban' quip
- We ‘signed’ Cho Gue-sung for Celtic in January transfer and he became Rangers Old Firm derby hero
