Celtic

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Bosun Lawal has completed a permanent transfer to English Championship side Stoke City, with the 21-year-old signing a four-year deal.

The Celtic academy graduate made just one first-team appearance for the Glasgow club and leaves in search of regular minutes.

Lawal spent last season on loan with Fleetwood Town where he scored six goals in 46 appearances, as they were relegated from League One.

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Callum McGregor says his full focus is on Celtic after calling time on his international career.

Seven years after his debut, the midfielder announced his Scotland retirement last week, and he insists it was the right decision for him personally.

In his first outing since the decision, McGregor scored a wonderful long-range goal as Celtic comfortably beat Hibs at Easter Road as a reminder of his enduring quality.

"It felt like the time was right," the 31-year-old said.

"Sometimes you get a gut feeling for things in football and you have got to trust that.

"I had an amazing international career and lot of success. We managed to get the country back to major tournaments and now hopefully the guys can go on and continue that success. But just for myself it felt like the right time.

"In football as long as you’re happy with what you have achieved, then you can look yourself in the mirror and know you gave it your all.

"That’s been the decision now and I just want to concentrate on club football. We have had a good start to the season and we want to just keep doing that as well."

Celtic fans, we asked for your views on the 2-0 victory at Easter Road on Sunday.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Brian: Another great performance from Celtic. One worry is the amount of knocks and bruises Kyogo Furuhashi gets in matches because he’s so dangerous with the ball. Opposition defenders mark him too closely at times.

Eamon: An excellent performance with the exception of Liam Scales. His poor performance highlights the need for another high quality centre-half to play alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers. The fear of an injury to Kyogo was also highlighted and the need for a suitable back-up brought into focus. It's time for the Celtic board to loosen the purse strings.

Ray: The Hoops need to back Brendan Rodgers in this transfer window. He is a man who obviously and blatantly knows what he needs and wants. The Celtic model is well documented and established but now is the time to acquire two or three players who can make the starting XI better, even breaking the long-standing club record fee in doing so.

Al: First half was OK but as per last week the possession and territory should have yielded more goals. The second half was not satisfactory. The club need to be working overtime to bring in reinforcements.

Paul: Decent result in the league but things will be totally different in Europe. Scales and Greg Taylor will really struggle and we will be embarrassed due to lack of defensive experience.

Patrick: Nicolas Kuhn is looking great, an exciting prospect for the season. We need reinforcements for Kyogo, whether or not the Adam Idah deal goes through. I'd like the left side of defence to be stronger too, Greg Taylor is still a bit of a risk.

Peter: Certainly need back up to Kyogo. Big striker up front would have ripped Hibs to pieces.

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Callum McGregor leaves big boots to fill in the Scotland midfield after his international retirement, according to the Celtic captain's former Scotland team-mate Stephen O'Donnell.

McGregor announced decision after seven years in the Scotland set-up, and O'Donnell praised the influence he has had on the international stage.

"As a fan I'm disappointed that he's retired," O'Donnell told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"He's a top player, for the caps he's had, for the consistency he shows over his full career to be honest. But the composure he has and being key in Steve Clarke's team.

"It's a team that's reached the European group stages which is the first time it's happened in 20-odd years. He was a main part of that, an integral part, so it'll be big miss for Scotland.

"Playing with him, he was ever-present. He was always there in training. You never saw him moaning. I know he had an injury this last season but other than that I can't think of many times he was missing."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Alistair Johnston was impressively solid up and down the Celtic right in their 2-0 win at Easter Road, and the Canadian defender is one of three Celtic players picked in my Team of the Week.

Callum McGregor’s superb strike was the icing on the cake after another masterful midfield performance, and how much has Nicolas Kuhn kicked on this summer?

The German winger has carried his electric pre-season form into the league and is now looking like another shrewd piece of business by the champions.

Watch highlights as Hibs host Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Available to UK users only.

Lennon Miller says his only focus is Motherwell despite the 17-year-old midfielder being linked with Celtic, Rangers and Premier League clubs. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Manager Brendan Rodgers doubts Celtic would be able to find a "like-for-like" replacement for Matt O'Riley, should he be sold.

The Denmark midfielder, 23, has been linked with Atalanta, Brighton and Southampton with Atalanta reportedly having had a fourth bid rejected.

O'Riley has started both of defending champions Celtic's games so far this season, including Sunday's 2-0 Scottish Premiership win at Hibernian.

"I don't think we can replace like-for-like," Rodgers told BBC Scotland.

"If he did leave, to get someone like that straight away would be very difficult. If he did go, it would be for big money and obviously we won't be spending that on one player.

"I'm not overthinking it. He's a gifted player that I love working with. His attitude is first class and he knows I trust him 100%."

A stunning strike from Callum McGregor helped Celtic to a comfortable Scottish Premiership win over Hibernian at Easter Road.

Nicolas Kuhn put the champions in front inside three minutes after home goalkeeper Josef Bursik failed to deal with Kyogo's initial shot.

McGregor - who announced his Scotland retirement earlier this week - then doubled Celtic's advantage with a wonderful left-footed goal from 25 yards in a superb first-half display.

Brendan Rodgers' side could have scored more were it not for the woodwork, but they will be pleased to come away with three points from a venue they have struggled at times under the Northern Irishman.

Celtic fans, we want your thoughts on the game. Have your say here, external.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Brendan Rodgers went with the same side that swept aside Kilmarnock last weekend, and their impressive start to the season continued in Leith.

They played some lovely football in the first half, getting bodies into the box and moving the ball at speed.

Nicolas Kuhn - who looks to have benefitted from a full pre-season - was full of confidence down the right after his close-range finish and Celtic got in behind almost at will in the early stages.

Their pressing was central to their dominance of possession and they carved out chances at will.

Callum McGregor dominated the headlines this week after his shock international retirement and he delivered the moment of the game with a rocket that flew past Josef Bursik into the top corner.

With him leading the way, Celtic are unquestionably the team to beat this season. They looked so slick, so confident, and you sense they never had to really exert themselves to take the three points.

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Nicolas Kuhn opened the scoring and was a real livewire for Celtic. He has benefitted from a full pre-season under Brendan Rodgers, and he toyed with the Hibs defence at times.

His 12 touches in the opposition box demonstrate just how much he was involved in the final third.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "Easter Road is one of the most difficult places to come in Scottish football.

"I thought we were very good for large spells. There were moments in the second half when we went too long, too early.

"We made a great start and showed a real winning attitude and we have quality. We should have had a few more goals."

He is then asked about the future of Matt O'Riley, who has been the subject of interest from Atalanta and linked with Brighton.

"I don't think we can replace like-for-like," said Rodgers. "If he did leave, to get someone like that straight away would be very difficult. If he did go, it would be for big money and obviously we won't be spending that on one player.

"I'm not overthinking it. He's a gifted player that I love working with. His attitude is first class and he knows I trust him 100%."

Atalanta have submitted a new bid for Matt O’Riley worth €23m (£19.7m) but Celtic want €28m (£24m) for the midfielder, who is also a target for Brighton. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Celtic have knocked back a fourth offer of £20m from Atalanta for midfielder Matt O'Riley. (Sky Sports), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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Relive Celtic and Hibernian's 2-2 draw in 2017.

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Newly-signed Hibernian players Junior Hoilett, Nicky Cadden and Kieron Bowie are all in contention to be in the squad for the first time.

Elie Youan is set to remain sidelined due to a leg knock, while Jake Doyle-Hayes is still building up his fitness following a lengthy lay-off.

Daizen Maeda returns to the Celtic squad following a knee injury.

We asked for your thoughts after Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor announced his retirement from international football.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Moe: Done your bit McGregor, full impact on the Hoops, we’ve got a lot to do domestically.

Graham: I’m delighted with the news our captain has retired from international duty! Keep him at the top of his game with the champions.

Paul: Good decision, he gave his all and now at his age he needs to preserve his body so he can enjoy life after football.

Bob: Not a surprise, the right decision for the player, his country and his club.

Jim: Only Celtic will benefit, poorest I've seen him play in the Scotland jersey was at the Euros.

Gordy: As a Scotland fan I'm a bit disappointed but as a Celtic fan I am delighted, McGregor has nothing more to prove for Scotland but he is our leader and integral to the success of the club, giving up international football will ensure we get many more years of outstanding football from our captain.

David: McGregor's decision to step down from Scotland duty is great for the player and Celtic. At 31, he is not an ageing player but keeping up the demands of club and country, particularly with Celtic's busy schedule, will not get any easier. Getting the most from McGregor and prolonging his career is his priority.

Chris: I don't think he was appreciated enough by the Scotland support and maybe because he's chosen to be a one-club man rather than play for a mediocre or poor English Premier League team. Luckily for Scotland this is a position with plenty of depth and Billy Gilmour will likely step in now as a guaranteed starter.

Stuart: I'm glad he’s concentrating on his club. Celtic are better when he's in there, and fit. If there is one position Scotland aren’t short of talent, it's central midfield. This will allow one of the more fringe players to step up and make that position their own.

Mark: He's a good player, and has been a great Scotland servant. At 31 it's maybe a little early to retire but with all the games played for club and country his body is telling him enough and you have to agree with his decision.

Stephen: Great for Celtic, he can rest up when international breaks are on and drive Celtic forward.

Joe: From a Scotland standpoint I'm gutted but from a Celtic standpoint I'm over the moon because it means he can concentrate on Celtic, but he will be a big player to fill for Scotland.

Paul: It's the perfect time for McGregor to retire from international football. He isn't likely to be a major contributor in future tournaments because of his age, and I'm sure the quantity of matches he plays cannot continue without giving his body more recovery time, as well as the mental toll of captaining a successful team.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes his side's work off the ball was central to their opening-day Premiership win over Kilmarnock.

Rodger's side's pressing was a key part of their impressive pre-season campaign, and it was on show again last weekend, as Reo Hatate opened the scoring after Celtic won back possession on the edge of the Killie box.

"I thought the team overall was very good in terms of how we pressed the game and respecting that side of it, which has been a big part of pre-season," Rodgers said.

"We are a team that has up to 70% possession and last week it was 82%.

"But the area I always concentrate on is respecting that 30% or the 18%, whatever it is, because that is what will bring our attacking game to the level and tempo that we want.

"It was epitomised that our first goal was off a counter press last weekend and that for me then stimulates everything else in the game."

Rodgers was quick to praise how Hatate, Callum McGregor and Matt O'Riley combined in midfield against Killie, with their influence on the game clear to see.

"In my history as a coach, the dynamic midfield three is always important," the Northern Irishman added.

"It's never about one player, it's always about the three. And I think that it was probably only into the latter stages of last season that those three came together.

"And I think you've seen the flow and the dynamism and how it all makes the team function."

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Celtic target Adam Idah features in Norwich's matchday squad for their Championship opener at Oxford City.

After having a bid rejected earlier in the window, the Parkhead club have made a fresh approach for the striker, who scored nine goals in a six-month loan in Glasgow last term.

Last month, Idah was left out of a friendly with Hoffenheim for disciplinary reasons, with head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup saying he had reported late for a team flight.

But the Republic of Ireland forward is on the Norwich bench for their first league game, kicking off at 12:30 BST on Saturday.

Earlier this week, manager Brendan Rodgers said he believes Celtic can seal a deal to bring the 23-year-old back.

"I'm hoping, by the end of the window, that can be done, with some others," he told the media prior to his side's trip to Hibernian on Sunday.

Celtic have enquired about the availability of Crystal Palace's 31-year-old utility man Jeffrey Schlupp. (Daily Mail), external

Celtic are still interested in Wolves left-back Hugo Bueno and the 21-year-old is said to be keen on a move to Glasgow. (Football Insider), external

Celtic-target Hugo Bueno is set to join Feyenoord on a season-long loan from Wolves. (Voetbal International, external - in Dutch)

Striker Oh Hyeon-gyu explains that lack of game time at Celtic was the main reason he chose to join Genk in Belgium, while he also sought advice from Tottenham and South Korea captain Son Heung-min. (Het Belang van Limburg via HITC, external)

Former Celtic and Scotland youth forward Karamoko Dembele is on the brink of joining Queens Park Rangers from French club Brest. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

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Former Scotland skipper Scott Brown says Celtic's Callum McGregor has made the "hardest decision in the world" by calling time on his international career.

Celtic's flag-day performance in sweeping aside Kilmarnock 4-0 was nothing short of imperious.

Much has been made of the lack of new signings to bolster Brendan Rodgers' squad, but they looked to be revitalised by the summer break.

Enjoying 82% possession against a side who, remember, finished fourth last season, they had 32 goal attempts - 13 on target.

It is difficult to see past Celtic being odds-on favourites to retain the league title given Rangers' summer rebuilding.

Hibernian head coach David Gray will understandably view their arrival on Sunday with some trepidation given the start they have made since he was confirmed in post after his caretaker spell last season.

His side scraped through to the League Cup last 16 as group winners, but not without shock defeat away to League 1 part-timers Kelty Hearts.

Hibs thumped 14 goals - and conceded just one - as they showed they retain the attacking threat of last season.

However, a 3-0 loss away to St Mirren in their Premiership opener suggests the defensive Achilles heel is still present despite summer acquisitions.

Add in the fact that Hibs have beaten Celtic just once in 21 meetings and it could be an uncomfortable afternoon for the hosts.

Strangely, though, Celtic have won on just four of their 15 league visits - losing three - since 2013 and that win rate of 27% is their lowest away from home against any Premiership opponent during those 11 years.

Hibs held Celtic to a goalless draw in their first meeting last season at Easter Road and beat them 4-2 there as recently as May 2023.

However, that was the Glasgow side's only defeat in their latest 12 visits to Leith and it would be a major surprise if it was to be an unlucky 13th.

Read all this weekend's Premiership picks

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Callum McGregor's Scotland retirement will prolong his career and can only benefit Celtic, says manager Brendan Rodgers.

McGregor, 31, played 63 times for his country after making his debut in 2017, and helped Scotland qualify for the last two Euros under Steve Clarke.

Rodgers says McGregor's now-reduced calendar will allow the midfielder to stay fresh throughout the season and continue to play at a high level for years to come.

"I'd obviously spoken to Callum on that and was aware of his intentions," Rodgers said.

"From a selfish perspective, for Celtic it's really good news because he gets the chance to recover - you all know the amount of games he plays.

"This will give him opportunities to have a breather because he's really intense. That's what I love about him, his appetite to improve. He never has a day off ever."

Rodgers was quick to praise McGregor's contribution on the international stage over the last seven years.

"He's been absolutely pivotal to [Scotland's] performance levels and qualifying for the tournaments they have," the Northern Irishman added.

"He is probably now looking at this next part of his career and he knows he will need to look after his body.

"A fantastic career he's had for his country, he can be very proud of that, and now going into the next part of his career, he has all his focus on Celtic."