Twenty-one Celtic players set to return for pre-season as the overlooked Bhoys aim for a fresh start.

Celtic’s preparations for the new campaign are about to begin, with Martin O’Neill welcoming a reduced group of players back to Lennoxtown on Friday as pre-season training officially gets underway.

The Scottish champions will start laying the foundations for another title challenge and a bid to secure a sixth consecutive league crown, while also preparing for another campaign in European competition. For many players, the return to training marks the end of a relaxing summer break and the beginning of a crucial period in which first impressions could shape their entire season.

Maik Nawrocki will report back for Celtic pre-season(Image: SNS Group)

However, O’Neill will not have a full squad available from day one. A number of key first-team players remain involved at the World Cup, meaning the manager will initially be working with a significantly depleted group.

Several members of the squad are still representing their countries on the international stage, including Scotland defenders Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston, who continue to chase history with Steve Clarke’s side as they attempt to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time.

For the players returning to Lennoxtown this week, though, attention shifts immediately to proving themselves. Some will be looking to establish themselves as regular starters, while others will be hoping to revive careers that have stalled in recent seasons.

Here is a closer look at the 21 Celtic players expected to report back for pre-season training.

Viljami Sinisalo

The Finnish goalkeeper enters pre-season as the leading candidate to claim the number one position. With veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel having retired, the opportunity is there for Sinisalo to make the role his own.

Despite that, Celtic are expected to recruit another goalkeeper during the transfer window, ensuring strong competition for places. Sinisalo may currently be favourite, but he knows he will have to perform consistently to keep hold of the position.

Meanwhile, several of Celtic’s international stars remain away. Auston Trusty has already helped the United States secure qualification for the knockout stages after topping their group. Alistair Johnston has also impressed for Canada, while Benjamin Nygren has featured prominently for Sweden.

Yang has been involved with South Korea, while Sebastian Tounekti will return sooner than most after Tunisia’s World Cup campaign ended following a heavy defeat against Japan, a side featuring Celtic forward Daizen Maeda.

Because of those international commitments, O’Neill may not have his full squad assembled until late next month.

During that period, attention will also turn toward transfer activity. Marcelo Saracchi is expected to become Celtic’s first summer arrival, while uncertainty continues to surround the futures of out-of-contract players Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, neither of whom have yet been offered new deals.

Ross Doohan

Doohan remains a useful squad member due to his homegrown status and ability to help satisfy UEFA registration requirements.

The goalkeeper is expected to provide cover rather than challenge for a starting position, particularly once Celtic strengthen their goalkeeping department during the transfer window. A third-choice role appears the most realistic outcome.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Celtic stopper Cameron Carter-Vickers(Image: SNS Group)

The return of Carter-Vickers could feel like a major new signing.

The powerful American defender missed a significant portion of last season after suffering a serious injury in October, meaning he never had the chance to play under O’Neill.

Now fully recovered, he returns determined to re-establish himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.

Liam Scales

Scales enjoyed a productive campaign and was rewarded with a new four-year contract.

The Irish defender has earned O’Neill’s trust and could form a strong partnership alongside Carter-Vickers in the centre of defence next season. His consistency and reliability have significantly improved his standing within the squad.

Dane Murray

At 23 years old, Murray is no longer considered a developing youngster.

The defender featured only occasionally last season, but the coming campaign may represent a significant opportunity. With more experience behind him, he will be eager to prove he can compete for regular first-team football.

Maik Nawrocki

Nawrocki returns following a season-long loan spell with Hannover.

The Polish defender made 18 appearances during his time in Germany, although Hannover ultimately failed to secure promotion to the Bundesliga. While he returns to Glasgow for pre-season, there remains a possibility that a permanent move away could materialise.

Colby Donovan

The 19-year-old right-back enjoyed encouraging progress during a breakthrough season.

Donovan stepped up impressively when Alistair Johnston was unavailable and demonstrated promising potential. Nevertheless, another loan spell may be considered the best option to accelerate his development.

Adam Montgomery

Montgomery’s Celtic career has stalled dramatically.

The versatile full-back has not played a competitive match for Celtic since December 2021. A serious hamstring injury cut short his loan spell with Livingston and disrupted his progress significantly.

Although he still has a year remaining on his contract, a permanent departure appears increasingly likely.

Callum McGregor

Callum McGregor

The Celtic captain returns refreshed after spending the summer away from international football.

Having retired from Scotland duty, McGregor has enjoyed a full off-season and remains a crucial figure within the squad. Despite advancing years, he continues to be regarded as one of Celtic’s most important players.

The skipper has also publicly called for ambition from the club hierarchy as they look to strengthen during the transfer window.

Luke McCowan

McCowan recently committed his future to the club by signing a two-year extension.

Although opportunities were limited last season, he remains a dependable squad option. However, the midfielder knows he must raise his performances if he wants to secure a more prominent role.

Arne Engels

Engels remains a Celtic player for the moment, but speculation surrounding his future continues to intensify.

The Belgian midfielder is valued at around £25 million and is widely expected to move on during the summer. Nottingham Forest are currently regarded as frontrunners, although Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Napoli have also been linked.

Should a transfer materialise, Celtic could receive a record-breaking fee.

Paulo Bernardo

Bernardo endured a difficult season and found himself increasingly on the fringes of the squad.

The midfielder has struggled to establish himself since arriving from Benfica in 2024 and now appears well down the pecking order. As a result, he is expected to consider alternative opportunities during the transfer window.

Reo Hatate

Hatate’s future also appears uncertain.

The Japanese midfielder is believed to have informed Celtic of his desire to move on this summer. After spending four and a half years in Glasgow, he seems ready for a new challenge.

His reduced involvement during the closing stages of last season only intensified speculation regarding a potential exit.

Kyle Ure

Kyle Ure in action for Ayr(Image: SNS Group)

Ure returns after gaining valuable experience during a loan spell with Ayr United.

The Scotland Under-21 international has earned praise from former Celtic captain Scott Brown, who compared him to Callum McGregor.

Now 20 years old, Ure will hope his development catches O’Neill’s attention during pre-season.

Francis Turley

Turley remains one of Celtic’s most highly regarded young prospects.

The Northern Irish midfielder made his first-team debut under Brendan Rodgers and later signed a long-term contract extension. After spending the latter part of last season on loan, he now faces an important period in his development.

The coming months could determine whether he becomes a genuine first-team contender.

Jota

Jota’s return remains some way off.

The Portuguese winger has spent the last 14 months recovering from a serious ACL injury and is not expected to return until at least October.

Supporters remain hopeful he can recapture the form that previously made him one of Celtic’s most exciting players.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha

Balikwisha endured a disappointing campaign and struggled to make an impact.

The winger never truly settled and eventually fell out of contention. Despite working hard during the summer, his long-term future at Celtic appears uncertain.

At present, he looks surplus to requirements.

James Forrest

Forrest continues to defy expectations.

The club legend and most decorated player in Celtic history is preparing for another season despite approaching his 35th birthday. While his playing time may be managed carefully, his leadership and experience remain invaluable.

During a period of transition, his presence around the squad could prove crucial.

Callum Osmand

Celtic’s Callum Osmand celebrates his title-clinching goal against Hearts

Osmand remains one of the most exciting young forwards at the club.

The former Fulham prospect has played only limited senior football but already possesses a reputation for scoring important goals, including memorable strikes against Hearts and Rangers.

Having recently recovered from a long-term hamstring injury, he is expected to continue his development this season.

Shin Yamada

Yamada’s future appears increasingly clear.

The Japanese striker struggled during a loan spell in Germany’s second division and is not viewed as part of Celtic’s long-term plans. A return to the J-League could provide the fresh start he needs.

Johnny Kenny

Kenny enjoyed an encouraging spell with Bolton, where he found form by scoring in five consecutive matches.

The Irish striker has publicly expressed confidence in his ability to become Celtic’s next prolific goalscorer. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding whether he can consistently deliver at the highest level.

Pre-season will provide him with an opportunity to strengthen his case.

A Summer Full of Opportunity

Although several key players remain absent due to World Cup commitments, Celtic’s return to Lennoxtown signals the beginning of another important chapter.

For established stars, pre-season is about regaining fitness and preparing for another title challenge. For younger players and fringe squad members, it represents a chance to impress Martin O’Neill and potentially reshape their futures.

With transfer activity expected, contract situations unresolved and competition for places intensifying, the coming weeks could prove decisive for many members of the Celtic squad as preparations begin for another demanding campaign.