Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans at the end of the UEFA Champions League, Group E match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Wednesday December 13, 2023.
The stakes are high amid a jam-packed festive schedule as Hearts come to town after Feyenoord were downed.
The rules of engagement in Glasgow tell you every game matters and newer Celtic stars likely recognise that term now more than ever.
Yes, their European campaign was over before a ball was kicked in their spirited 2-1 win over Feynoord, however, banishing those grisly Champions League stats and sparking a host of positives had changed the mood after the gloomy defeat to Kilmarnock. Gustaf Lagerbielke made his chance count by nodding home the winner and the Swede is now targeting regular game time to build upon his rousing cameo. Hearts are up next on Saturday and the champions know they can go eight clear of Rangers and put the onus on their title rivals to win their two games in hand.
The stakes are high amid a jam-packed festive schedule and Record Sport was on hand to cast an eye over the major headlines from within the rolling hills of East Dunbartonshire at the club’s Lennoxtown base.
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Cameron Carter-Vickers is Celtic’s main man in defence. Liam Scales’ growing reputation makes him the most likely partner but the champions are at their best when one of their finest operators in recent memory is in situ. And this was no tepid return to action after a muscle injury forced him off against Hibs. Carter Vickers, as you will see later, is back at full pelt.
Daizen Maeda made a roaring return to training before the Feyenoord win and the winger was the happiest man in camp as he smiled his way through the session on Friday. The star who sets the Celtic tone hasn’t been seen since the double jeopardy challenge against Atletico which saw him sent off and suffer a knee injury. But he’s back and hell-bent on getting his side back to winning ways in the Premiership.
Callum McGregor and Brendan Rodgers both noted the Swede was an excellent trainer who deserved his chance to end Celtic’s barren Champions League run. So, in usual fashion, the only snap of the Swedish defender of the year caught him during a serene moment. A start is a long shot on Saturday but it’s good news he’s back making an impact.
Celtic were ripped to pieces defensively back in August but now they boast multiple options with £4.6m summer signing Maik Nawrocki working his way back into the mix. The former Legia Warsaw man looked good in his earlier appearances but patience is proving a virtue as he embraced boss Rodgers before the session kicked off.
