OPINION
Celtic started their pre-season campaign against second-tier Austrian side FC Blau Weiss Linz with a narrow 1-0 win on Wednesday night.
Brendan Rodgers named a side that included a mix of first-team stars, fringe players and up-and coming Hoops youngsters as they look to gain momentum ahead of their Champions League qualifying campaign on July 11.
Attackers Leigh Griffiths, Calum McGregor and Jonny Hayes all had chances to break the deadlock but Linz remained solid at the back, who could have won themselves but for the saves of Dorus de Vries.
Rodgers made 10 substitutes at half-time, keeping only Jamie McCart on the pitch for the second half. Oe of those substitutes James Forrest scored the only goal of the game, as he squeezed an effort into the back of the net.
The Hoops have scheduled four pre-season friendlies ahead of July 11, as they face Rapid Vienna in Austria before moving to Czech Republic to face Slavia Prague and the returning to Ireland to face Shamrock Rovers.
They then go up against Linfield or La Fiorita in the second round of the Champions League qualifying stage.
This Is Futbol rates Celtic’s 11 starting players out of 10, including youngsters Calvin Miller and Jamie McCart as well as new signing Jonny Hayes.