Celtic

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Luke McCowan insists Celtic will be ready for the "pressure" of their Champions League play-off against either Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava.

The 27-year-old reflected on last term when Celtic reached the knockout phase of the competition for the first time in 12 years, before being narrowly beaten by Bayern Munich, and the midfielder said "there's always a demand for more".

"These players play under massive pressure all the time, it's what playing at this club takes," the former Dundee captain added.

"You need to be ready for that pressure, you need to have your chest out, your head high and go and show you're a Celtic player.

"That's what it demands and that's what the manager wants. Pressure in a game hopefully brings out your best qualities.

"I'm sure we will be [ready]. I mean, if you were to ask us to play it this midweek, I'm sure we'd all be ready.

"When those games come around, it's about embracing it and knowing what the challenge is going to be.

"I think we showed that last year, but it's about proving it again. There's always a demand for more at this club."

Tino
Fan writer

The opening weeks of a new season should be a time of pure excitement for fans of any club.

The return of matchdays, the renewed hopes for European adventure, and the anticipation of seeing fresh faces pull on the shirt all contribute to that unmistakable buzz only football can bring.

For Celtic supporters, some of those boxes have been ticked.

The team kicked off the new campaign with a win against St Mirren on Sunday, and a handful of summer signings have arrived.

But still, something feels off. Something's missing. And it's hard to ignore.

This isn't about doom-mongering. It's not to say the season won't go on to bring success, trophies, and more big moments.

But right now, as we stand one game in, there's a distinct lack of electricity in the air. The kind that should be crackling around Celtic Park as the season kicks into gear.

The club have made moves in the market, yes - but have they made enough?

There's a growing feeling among fans that the squad still lacks the reinforcements needed to properly compete on multiple fronts. The kind of reinforcements that not only strengthen the starting XI, but also lift the collective mood of the support and the dressing room.

Because for a club of Celtic's stature, with ambitions both domestically and in Europe, half-measures won't cut it.

The transfer window remains open for another few weeks yet, and there's still time to make a statement. But as of now, that spark - that pre-season optimism that should be lifting the fanbase - feels a bit subdued.

And that's the frustrating part: it's within the club's control to change this.

A marquee signing, a show of real intent in the market, or even clear communication of the club's vision for the season could flip the mood almost instantly.

Instead, there's a strange limbo - the team is off and running, but the supporters are still waiting to be truly inspired.

The foundation is there. A winning start. A manager who knows what it takes. But as fans, we're hoping the weeks ahead bring more than just points on the board.

Winning is expected - but inspiring belief takes more, and right now, Celtic need to do more.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

We asked for your views on Celtic's potential Champions League play-off opponents.

Here's what some of you said:

Willie: The draw is what it is. We need to strengthen up front to capitalise on chances made.

Stephen: Feels like a good draw for Celtic and we should be confident of progressing no matter which team comes through to play us. That said, I hope our penny pinching ways don't come back to bite us if David Strelec is still with Slovan Bratislava when the tie comes around!

Patrick: If we don't progress though qualifying then Brendan Rogers should walk away. He's clearly not been backed and if that costs us Champions League football, he needs to make it clear. Having said that, I'm confident we'll progress.

Peter: Unless the squad is strengthened the draw is meaningless. Our current squad will struggle to get through the qualifier but if they do they will get mighty hammerings unless a number of proven quality players are brought in.

Will: Should progress but if not the Europa League would give the squad a better chance to gain experience in Europe and probably get further than they will in the Champions League.

Martin: A good draw for Celtic as long as we don't get complacent. Brendan should guide us through to the league phase. Would like to see a couple of good signings coming through the door.

Celtic target Jakob Breum admits he could leave Go Ahead Eagles before the end of the transfer window. (ESPN via Glasgow Times, external)

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Celtic's squad depth after their 1-0 opening day victory over St Mirren.

Celtic will face either champions of Kazakhstan Kairat or Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava for a place in the Champions League.

The first leg will be played at Celtic Park on 19 or 20 August.

What do you make of the draw? How confident are you Celtic can progress?

Have your say

We asked for your views on Celtic's 1-0 win against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

John: St Mirren worked hard at their game plan and nearly got a point. Credit to the players for remaining calm and getting the reward for the perseverance. Onwards now for the season.

Patrick: Good performances across the park but found it difficult against a St Mirren team which has performed so well and competitively in the League Cup. Kieran Tierney was great, but needs to work on his fitness. All the pieces are there, we just need to find a way of fitting them together.

Martin: Not the best performance but a win is a win. Fair play to St Mirren, they defended well. We need more attacking options. Adam Idah and Yang Hyun-jun aren't good enough. Says it all that only two of our six signings kicked a ball.

Jack: It was a hard watch again. Negative football from St Mirren but it's up to us to break that down. We need a striker, a winger and cover in defence. Liam Scales had one of his best game. In front of goal they need to shoot instead of always trying to walk it in.

Billy: I get so frustrated watching Celtic when they play the ball back so much. It's one thing keeping position but they need to go towards the oppositions goals to score.

Benny: A win on the first day of the season again but not a convincing one. We were ok defensively and in midfield but looked short on ideas and even scoring. This showing tells us how much we really need another striker and a wide man as Yang did nothing to say he's the answer, while Idah has still to convince. Hopefully Tierney is ok and fit for next week. Improvement needed sooner rather than later.

Tommy: Celtic are much weaker now than at this point last year. The financial model which has served so well over the last few years will be severely tested with Idah and Arne Engels still looking like second rate players not a collective £20m. I fear the outcome of the impending European games with those two in the line up and Rodgers inability to tactically change from plan A.

Watch all the highlights from Celtic's 1-0 victory over St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic began their Scottish Premiership season with a victory, but were far from convincing as they struggled to break down a resilient St Mirren.

Have your say on the game

Read the match report here

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "Naturally, we wanted more goals, but I think we played their system very well.

"Stephen Robinson's teams are so well-organised and they're strong and make it difficult for you.

"But I think the goalkeeper has maybe kept the scoreline down and, whilst we didn't score, we didn't get disappointed and played some fantastic football.

"It is a tough game and an emotional day - flag day - and I thought it was an excellent win.

"We had a number of opportunities to score and we were unfortunate. They are a very well organised team. We just had to stay persistent and we were able to do that. Maybe a few times we arrived into the final third and came back when we could really have gone one v one. For the first game of the season, I'm really pleased.

"Kieran Tierney's still building his fitness. He hasn't played a lot of football in the last few years so we have to manage him. I thought he was excellent. I thought Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers were brilliant, Alistair Johnston as well. Kieran looked very, very good. Once he understands a wee bit more how we play he'll be able to get into positions that fraction quicker but overall it was fantastic to see him back on at Celtic Park.

"I learned that the mentality of the team is very strong. We worked very hard over pre-season and at this stage I think it's very clear no one is going to be 100% fit. What's important so that the squad makes the impact. The important thing is we got the goal.

"I'm fed up talking about transfers. We've got until the end of the window. We concentrate on what's here, a lot of work going on behind the scenes to improve the squad."

Celtic are plotting a move to sign former Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill on a free transfer following his departure from Turf Moor. (Football Insider), external

And Brendan Rodgers' side are still targeting Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, although any move could be dictated by Champions League qualification. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external

Former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard is close to completing a move to Spanish side Girona from Crystal Palace, ending speculation over a return to Glasgow. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is again targeting domestic domination with style as the champions prepare to begin their title defence against St Mirren.

Rodgers was a penalty shoot-out defeat against Aberdeen away from completing his third treble as Celtic boss last season after finishing 17 points clear of Rangers.

A new challenge awaits in terms of a Rangers side under new ownership and new leadership in the form of head coach Russell Martin.

However, Rodgers said: "The aim as a Celtic manager is always to dominate every competition.

"We obviously have qualification for the Champions League that we want to arrive into, and we want to be really competitive in that competition if we arrive there.

"That was our idea last year. Nothing changes. You add that to the pressures here at Celtic, it's always about not just winning, but winning in a style of football.

"That's always the pursuit of the teams here, to play attacking, aggressive football."

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Celtic winger Jota is a long-term absentee while Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey will not feature even if his loan move is finalised.

St Mirren could include new signing Malik Dijksteel while Evan Mooney has recovered from an ankle injury.

Atalanta, Celtic and Fulham are interested in signing Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa on loan, with the 27-year-old knowing he cannot be guaranteed regular football at Anfield this season. (Sports Boom), external

Rangers are ready to end the experiment of using Max Aarons at left-back and have contacted Kassoum Ouattara's camp about a transfer from Monaco, but the 20-year-old is also on the radar of Celtic, Augsburg, Toulouse, PSV Eindhoven and Metz. (Sebastien Vidal on X), external

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers remains undecided on signing a new left-back as he believes Japanese 23-year-old Hayato Inamura has done well despite initially being slated for a loan move after being acquired from Albirex Niigata for a modest £250,000 last month. (Glasgow Times), external

Manchester City centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has arrived in Glasgow as the 19-year-old finalises a season-long loan to Celtic. (Sky Sports), external

Rapid Vienna are putting pressure on Celtic to green-light the transfer of 23-year-old Marco Tilio before they move on to other targets, with the Scottish champions stalling on the switch until they sign a winger replacement after the clubs agreed a £350,000 loan deal, with an obligation to buy for £1.3m. (Sky Sports), external

AC Milan striker Marko Lazetic is keen on a move to Aberdeen, with personal terms not expected to be an issue, but negotiations continue between the clubs over the 21-year-old. (Sky Sports), external

Celtic right-back Ben McPherson, 21, is on the verge of joining Partick Thistle on loan. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Brendan Rodgers says he is "not doing that job as well as I can" as he attempts to "convince" the Celtic board of the need to sign more attackers.

Forwards Benjamin Nygren and Shin Yamada have arrived this summer, but Rodgers has stressed the need for more firepower, particularly in light of Nicolas Kuhn's departure and Jota's long-term injury.

"The squad will hopefully look again different come the end of the window," manager Rodgers said.

"I think it's very clear. We need to improve in the front end of the pitch. The attacking department has always, and always will be, the strengths of my teams.

"We've lost important players in that area, and we need to replace players in that area."

Rodgers appeared to send a warning shot to the board when discussing the lack of attacking arrivals.

"There's no doubt I would have liked to have had players in now, but it's not the case," he said.

"I'm not going to kill my own joy and overthink. I focus on what's here. We know the work that we need to do and it's my responsibility to convince the club that we really need them.

"Clearly, I'm not doing that job as well as maybe what I can, but I will continue to pursue that because it's something that's really important for us."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face St Mirren in Sunday's Premiership opener.

Here are the main points:

• Rodgers, who is in the final year of his deal, says there's been no formal contract offer from the club but there has been "conversations" with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and chief executive Michael Nicholson.

• Rodgers is "very happy" at Parkhead and hinted he'll see out his contract but admits there are "conditions" to his long-term future in Glasgow: "If there's just something to maintain, I'm not the manager for Celtic, it will be someone else."

• He adds: "But to build and grow and develop and push, then of course I love being at Celtic. I'm not the one that's going to sit here and just maintain levels. My commitment here to Celtic is this is a really fast-moving club and you have to keep moving, move quickly."

• After losing "important players", Rodgers stresses the "need to improve in the front end of the pitch" and is hopeful the squad will look slightly different by the end of the window.

• He would "like to have players in now" but is fully focused on the current squad at the moment.

• On Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Rodgers is hopeful his season-long loan from Man City will be confirmed today, adding the defender's profile "fits" with what Celtic want from their centre-halves.

• Rodgers also admits Simpson-Pusey will likely be Celtic's "last central defender" signed in this window.

• While Celtic's aims for the season are to be successful, the boss adds "it's not just about winning, it's about how we win".

• When the Celtic boss heard Paul McStay would be at Parkhead to unfurl the title flag, Rodgers says he "went back into boy mode" and can't wait to see him at the weekend - "what an amazing icon of the club he is".

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Celtic have entered into a cooperation agreement with Ayr United that will allow more playing opportunities for the Parkhead club's emerging talent.

Jude Bonnar and Kyle Ure, both 19, have already moved on loan from the champions to the Championship side.

Ayr, who are managed by former Parkhead skipper Scott Brown, say a third Celtic player "will be joining soon".

Under new player partnership agreements, which came into effect this summer, up to three young players can move more freely between the parent and lower-league club, with the aim of aiding the development of young Scottish talent.

"We think this new arrangement with Ayr will prove to be very useful to both clubs and of course to the young players who we are looking to support and develop," said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

"I know Scott and his staff will provide our young players with a fantastic environment over the next period and this will be crucial in their development and their transition to our first team."

We asked for your views on how Celtic are shaping up for the new season, which gets under way this weekend.

Here's what some of you said:

George: I still think we are a striker and left-back and midfielder short, especially if we get to the Champions League.

Robert: Two good signings in Benjamin Nygren and marquee arrival Kieran Tierney, the others are projects and not first-team ready or may be just making up the numbers. I don't feel Brendan Rodgers has had the backing that he was expecting, might be his last season in Scotland because of this, will be interesting to see how the first Old Firm derby will shape the first half of the season.

Liam: Celtic are in a strange setting going into Rodgers' third season. Lack of depth up front and in central defence, we seem almost vulnerable going into what should be an exciting season, however the mood among the fanbase is anything but. Animosity towards the men in the boardroom, record bank balance and fans demanding it be seen on the pitch prior to the deadline. Risky business ahead of a tricky start with trips to Pittodrie and Ibrox and a Champions League qualifier. Come 1 September, I have a bad feeling Celtic Park is going to be a very, very toxic atmosphere.

Tim: No way should Adam Idah be allowed to leave Celtic. It's complete nonsense to suggest Brendan Rodgers wasted £10m signing him, as Norwich were about to give him a free transfer. Anyone can see Rodgers is a genius - and so is Idah! They've both got "Celtic blood"! Keep the faith.