Celtic fans can catch a glimpse of their side in action for the first time ahead of the 2024-25 campaign when they face Ayr United in a pre-season friendly on Friday.
The match has been organised to mark the official opening of the new North Stand at Somerset Park following a £2million refurbishment which has increased the stadium capacity by 500. Over 9,000 tickets have been sold for the fixture that will see ex-Celtic captain, Scott Brown, now manager of Ayr, take on his former Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic have yet to make a new signing this summer – so there will be no new faces for supporters to cast an eye over – but there may be an unfamiliar look to the starting line-up due to a number of first-team regulars being unavailable.
Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers are at the Copa America with Canada and USA respectively, while Scotland internationals Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, Anthony Ralston and James Forrest have all been given extra time to recover from the Euros.
With Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma also returning late after featuring for Japan and Honduras last month, this could open the door to a handful of fringe players and youngsters to be given a chance to impress against the Championship side ahead of the new season.
Here is our predicted Celtic starting XI to face Ayr United:
5. Liam Scales
The Irish defender became of the success stories of last season as he salvaged his Celtic career by taking a chance presented to him by injuries then going on to become a near ever-present in the league and Scottish Cup double-winning side. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
6. Tomoki Iwata
The Japanese midfielder impressed while deputising for Callum McGregor while the captain was injured last season in the midfield holding role. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
7. Odin Thiago Holm
The Norwegian youngster was a bit-part player in his first season at Celtic following his move from Vålerenga last summer, but could be given a runout from the start at Somerset Park. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
8. Bosun Lawal
A player Celtic fans will be keen to see in action after a hugely impressive loan spell at Fleetwood Town last season. Can also play in defence, but it was his performances in midfield that caught the eye in England's League One last term. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group