BAIN HAPPY TO BE BACK IN OLD ROUTINE

SCOTT BAIN admits it is great to be back in the old routine as Celtic prepare for their three warm-up games in France.

The 28-year-old keeper is likely to figure in the friendlies against Nice on Thursday, Lyon on Saturday and Paris Saint-Germain a week today.

Neil Lennon is looking to strengthening his No.1 position with uncertainty still surrounding Fraser Forster’s availability from Southampton and Craig Gordon’s exit at the end of his contract for a return to Hearts.

The Hoops boss will probably take the opportunity to have another look at back-up shotstopper Conor Hazard while there could be an introduction for Ross Doohan at some stage.

In the meantime, it’s Bain who is favourite to be in possession of the gloves and the Scotland international No.1, whose current deal runs until June 2023, told the club website: “The boys are really chomping at the bit to get back into it, given the way last season ended.

“Right now, we’re all really focused on getting back into it and excited to get on the pitch and start the season off as well as we possibly can.

“We’ve been back for a few weeks now and it already feels back to normal, as if we’ve never been away. Everyone’s been really excited to be back and that’s made for a great atmosphere every day.

“Even just getting out of the house every day for several hours and having that routine back is something we all really appreciate.”

The champions kick off their bid for a historic 10 in a row with a Flag Day opener against Hamilton Accies at Parkhead on Sunday, August 2.