Geovany Quenda Source: Imago Images
Celtic round off their Portuguese training camp with a high-profile pre-season clash against Sporting Lisbon at the Estadio Algarve.
Martin O’Neill’s side have been building fitness in the baking Algarve heat as they step up preparations for the new campaign ahead of the season.
The match serves as Celtic’s second pre-season outing, following their 1-1 draw with Shelbourne in Dublin the previous week.
It is a repeat of last summer’s fixture at the same venue, where Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan inspired a commanding 2-0 victory over the Portuguese heavyweights.
All eyes will also be on £6million striker Camilo Duran, who is hoping to shake off illness after missing training on Monday in time to make his unofficial debut.
The Colombian forward’s potential appearance would give supporters their first glimpse of the new signing in a Celtic shirt during competitive action.
Kick-off at the Estadio Algarve is scheduled for 5:30pm UK time on Tuesday, July 14, giving fans a midweek occasion to look forward to.
Unlike last week’s match against Shelbourne, the game has not been selected for broadcast by Premier Sports, meaning television viewers will need to look elsewhere.
CelticPlayer will live stream the friendly for subscribers across the UK, Ireland, and overseas, with coverage beginning at 5:15pm and no pay-per-view option available.
Following the final whistle, Celtic will fly straight back to Glasgow to continue their pre-season schedule, with a home fixture against Middlesbrough at Parkhead coming up on Saturday.
The club is clearly building momentum carefully, using these friendlies to sharpen match fitness and bed in new faces before competitive action begins.
With a glamour friendly, a potential debut, and the squad rounding into shape, supporters have plenty of reasons to tune in for this Algarve showdown.
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