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8 things noticed at Celtic training as VIP visit impresses squad and familiar faces reappear

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Celtic were put through their paces at Lennoxtown by Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham as preparations continued for Wednesday night’s crucial Premiership clash away to Falkirk.

While only a short window of training was open to the media, there were still clear signs that the atmosphere around Celtic has shifted in recent days. From what has been visible at Lennoxtown over the past week, the club appears to be in a much stronger place under Martin O’Neill.

Despite being 73, the experienced manager has injected new energy into a squad that looked drained of belief during Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated spell in charge. What once felt like a season slipping away following another damaging New Year derby defeat to Rangers has suddenly taken on a renewed sense of purpose.

Momentum is beginning to build, and Celtic now have a major opportunity to carry that forward on Wednesday when they travel to Falkirk. Victory would lift them above Rangers into second place and keep them within touching distance of Hearts, who face St Mirren in their own midweek fixture.

There is a growing sense that the title race may not be over just yet. Adding three or four new faces during the transfer window could significantly strengthen Celtic’s push for an unlikely comeback, and there are encouraging signs already emerging from the training ground.

Supporters will also have noted that a couple of well-known faces were back involved in training, hinting at increased options for the run-in. Adding to the buzz around Lennoxtown was a surprise visit from a respected football figure, whose presence appeared to lift spirits further.

All in all, even a brief glimpse of preparations suggested a squad reconnecting with confidence and direction under familiar leadership.

Here are eight things we noticed from Lennoxtown.

Back for now

Stephen Welsh rejoined his Celtic pals for training after his season-long loan was cut short at Motherwell – for now. Celts are short of defensive cover and Welsh will add some much-needed depth. But the 25-year-old could head back to Fir Park if the Hoops sign a new central defender.
(Image: SNS Group)

Holm again

The Norwegian playmaker endured a torrid season with LAFC after managing just five appearances for the MLS club. Holm, 22, recently revealed he has a rare condition in his calves that leaves him feeling ‘half-paralysed’ when he plays. The one-time wonderkid is likely to head back out on loan.
(Image: SNS Group)

Right-back on track

Julian Araujo has made a promising start to life at Celtic and is a major upgrade at right-back, with Alistair Johnston crocked. The Mexico international was lucky to escape a red at the weekend, though, for a late lunge. But the on-loan Bournemouth ace already looks to have settled in Glasgow.
(Image: SNS Group)

Trust the Process

Auston Trusty looked to be carrying a knock in the dying embers of Saturday’s 4-0 pummelling of Dundee United. But the USA stopper quelled injury fears by taking part in full training at Lennoxtown on Tuesday. And he’ll start at the heart of the defence alongside Liam Scales at Falkirk.
(Image: SNS Group)

Top Tier

Slowly but surely, Kieran Tierney looks to be getting back to his best. The left-back completed a full 90 minutes for the ninth time this season on Saturday as he builds himself up to peak fitness after years of injury issues. He’s becoming more and more robust by the week.
(Image: SNS Group)

Yang-sters Paradise

Most Celtic fans wanted him out the door in the summer. But Hyun-jun Yang has been the champions’ best player in recent weeks. Back-to-back goals, relentless work rate and an end product, the South Korean is growing in confidence and has well and truly emerged from the shadows.
(Image: SNS Group)

For Pete’s sake

There was a special guest at Lennoxtown today as legendary keeper Peter Schmeichel cast an eye over training. It’s believed the Man United great and father of Hoops No1 Kasper was filming for TNT Sports ahead of Thursday’s Europa League trip to Bologna.
(Image: SNS Group)

Out of the Woods

Social media rumours were rife last week that long-serving goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods had chucked it after a fallout with Wilfried Nancy. But the highly-regarded coach is still at Parkhead after staying on as part of Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff.
(Image: SNS Group)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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