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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Three things we spotted at Celtic training as Jota gears up for Livi and forgotten man makes plea

Celtic are gearing up for another home clash and hoping to continue their imperious stranglehold on the top of the table.

The task that lies ahead is that of David Martindale's Livingston who are having their own purple patch in the league, disrupting the natural order of the Scottish Premiership's top four. Celtic, however, are sitting pretty on a nine-point advantage over rivals Rangers and have four new toys to play with after a busy January window with Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi already making their mark.

Tomoki Iwata and Oh Hyeon-gyu from the J-League and K-League respectively have still to get a proper go, but Postecoglou could go strong for an important game under the lights. Glasgow Live Sport took a look at the Hoops' preparation:

READ MORE: Celtic vs Livingston on TV: Channel, kick-off time and live stream details for Premiership clash

Jovial Jota turns to glum

Jota must be used to the terrain of Lennoxtown by now but perhaps the Portuguese is still dreaming of the Mediterranean climate he once resided in.

The winger is putting in the hours after a stunning performance against Dundee United last weekend that saw him use his head to great effect to open the scoring.

Jota getting used to the temperamental nature of Glasgow's weather (SNSGroup)

And the permanent arrival of the 23-year-old won transfer saga award of the year but the Hoops fans couldn't hide their delight when he committed himself to the club.

He might be thinking now a sunnier destination would have been a shout after a quick but sharp round of hailstones engulfed much of the west of Scotland yesterday without much prior warning.

Occupational Hazard

Conor Hazard could have been leaving Glasgow in the past 48 hours but the Celtic goalie is back in amongst it at Lennoxtown.

The keeper, who has returned to Parkhead after a season-long loan spell with HJK Helsinki in Finland, was welcomed by the Scottish weather but could now find himself fourth in the pecking order between the sticks. A deadline day move to Ross County was floated for the Northern Irishman but to no avail.

Connor Hazard will be looking for his opportunity at Celtic despite many options (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group))

Benji Siegrist is the only shot stopper to play besides Joe Hart for Postecoglou's men and the former Dundee United keeper has only managed a total of 180 minutes in cup action. Scott Bain also remains in position at Celtic so youngster Hazard might struggle for persistent game time despite reportedly 'snubbing' a move away.

Take it easy Daizen

No Celtic fan could blame Daizen Maeda for taking a well-earned breather.

The Japanese attacker often works his socks off for Postecoglou's side and has had one of his most fruitful spells in front of goal recently.

Daizen Maeda (SNSGroup)

But Maeda has played just over half an hour of football in the last two games with the likes of Liel Abada and James Forrest getting their chance. The 25-year-old will be hoping he will be on the team sheet for Wednesday's clash.

READ NEXT:

- Josip Juranovic continues post-Celtic success as he provides another assist as Union chase Bayern Munich

- Ange Postecoglou fires back at Celtic budget snipers as boss makes 'biggest club in Scotland' claim

- Giorgos Giakoumakis Celtic transfer exit wait as move 'set' to be completed AFTER deadline

- We simulated Celtic vs Livingston to get a score prediction as Aaron Mooy continues fine run of form

- Nicolas Raskin in Celtic derby admission as Rangers signing reveals Europa League final 'excitement'

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