Zeno Debast has emerged as an alternative for Marc Guehi (Credits: Imago Images)
Celtic round off a demanding week-long training camp in Portugal with a pre-season friendly against Primeira Liga runners-up Sporting Lisbon at the Estadio Algarve.
Martin O’Neill’s squad has been based at a five-star resort during the trip, but the manager has put his players through gruelling double sessions in the blazing Algarve sunshine.
The match repeats last summer’s fixture between the two clubs, when goals from Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan handed Celtic a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Sporting Lisbon represent a significant step up in quality from Celtic’s previous pre-season outing against Shelbourne, and the game will offer a clearer picture of where the Hoops stand in their preparations.
All eyes will be on £6million signing Camilo Duran, although the Colombian striker is a doubt after missing training through illness earlier in the week.
Manager O’Neill addressed the situation directly, saying: “He didn’t train today because he was ill. So we’ll see how he is for tomorrow.”
Veteran winger James Forrest has already spoken warmly about the former Qarabag striker, suggesting the new arrival has made an immediate impression on his teammates during camp.
Forrest said: “Aye, he looks good. I think he scored five goals in the Champions League last year as well.”
The winger added: “He’s going to be a good player, he looks like a good athlete, he looks quick and that as well. So it’s exciting.”
Forrest also acknowledged the broader impact that new signings can have on a squad, saying: “I think it’s always good when we get signings in and other players look forward to that as well.”
Meanwhile, O’Neill confirmed Celtic have tabled a fresh contract offer to free agent striker Kelechi Iheanacho, stating: “There’s an offer there to him at this minute. So we’ll see how that develops.”
Reports from Belgium have suggested Nottingham Forest reignited their interest in midfielder Arne Engels after a £25million bid was rejected in January, though O’Neill said he had no knowledge of any new approach.
The Celtic boss was clear on the Engels speculation, saying: “No, I haven’t heard that. I would have heard that by now. It’s not to say that there might be, but I don’t know.”
With Celtic’s World Cup players still unavailable, a number of younger squad members are expected to feature and will be eager to impress before the group returns to Glasgow.
The Celtic squad will fly back directly after the match, making this friendly the final opportunity for fringe players to stake their claim ahead of the new competitive season.
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