CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS made his first start of Celtic’s pre-season fixtures in the 5-3 penalty-kick shoot-out win over Al-Ahli in Como last night.
And the rugged central defender was joined in the line-up at kick-off by Alistair Johnston who was making his first appearance after international duty with Canada.
Brendan Rodgers, who is still looking to strengthen his squad with the Premiership due to commence with the visit of St Mirren at week today, was delighted to welcome them back.
EYES ON THE BALL…Cameron Carter-Vickers and Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney are a study in concentration as they tussle for possession.
Portuguese playmaker Paulo Bernardo also played in the 1-1 draw with the Saudi champions that saw Auston Trusty grab the equalising goal which was brilliantly set up by James Forrest after a clever right-wing corner-kick from Luke McCowan.
The game went straight to penalty-kicks after the 90-minute stalemate and Arne Engels, Ben Summers, McCowan, Stephen Welsh and Shin Yamada tucked away their efforts while keeper Viljami Sinisalo made a dramatic swoop to his right to repel the opponents’ third kick.
Rodgers admitted: “There’s no doubt Cameron is a number of weeks behind, but it’s that mixture of giving him game time and looking after him.
“It’s such a long season. The boys who have played – such as Dane Murray – have been excellent.
“It’s the same with Ali. It’ll take him a while to get up to speed, but Tony Ralston is there and he’s been great.”
ON THE RUN…Alistair Johnston surges into attack.
With his Champions League squad in mind, Rodgers gave some of the homegrown talent such as Ben Summers and Colby Donovan a run.
The Hoops gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “I will always look at young players to see if they are game ready for us. That’s the whole idea of bringing them with us to let them see what level they are at.
“I think the opportunity is always there for any young player. It’s not rocket science. It’s hard work and seeing where your development is at.
“Does it need a loan or stay and play your way into the first team?
“Everyone is different. There might be some who are ready, but they might need to go out to get game time.”
YAMADA SPOT ON FOR DREAM DEBUT
