Arne Engels’ physical stature belies his age. Still 21, he is already a winner at Celtic and full Belgian international. 21 is the age Callum McGregor was when he made his (scoring) Celtic debut. Callum was a year older when he first moved into the middle of the park from the wing. The captain is likely to end his career as the most honoured player is our history, but we needed patience to see him grow into the player he became.
At the same age, Reo Hatate was still at university. He had made 62 appearances for Kawasaki Frontale (who get an interesting amount of column inches on CQN these days), when he moved to Celtic as a 24-year-old. Aaron Mooy went below the radar at St Mirren at 21!
Young Reo was studying at 21, we probably saw Aaron at the same age and didn’t notice him, and we watched enough of Callum at this age to know the scale of development between 21 and 24 is enormous.
I like what we’ve seen so far from Arne and have big hopes he will continue to kick on during the season ahead.
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Has Bernardo been given more time off?
Thanks BADA.
On the third goal, the cry was no defenders !!
Caught short at the back after carelessly losing posession in midfield at that goal
Let’s all laugh at Rangers.
TT
JF the classiest player on the pitch
Even in a bounce game,take McGregor out the team it’s a shambles
Score ?
lost 3 2
dessybhoy
Thanks.
Embarrassed by a bottom of the table Portuguese team. Without Calmac we have no balance in midfield.
In danger this season. Nice bank balance though ;-)
This mornings performance from Celtic was very poor for the 3rd Pre Season game in a row.
Not one Celtic player has impressed me so far.
Things can only get better….HOPEFULLY ?
HH.
that didnt take long – write off the coming season because they lost a pre-season game,
dearie me,
remember and mention the bank balance though,
“It’s all about fitness at this stage of the season…”
was it 8-2 west ham beat us .
Saint Stivs on 12th July 2025 1:08 pm
that didnt take long – write off the coming season because they lost a pre-season game,
dearie me,
remember and mention the bank balance though
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I certainly will ;-)
I just watched the whole game. Second half would make your eyes bleed.
Estrela are NOT West Ham.
Behind closed doors training some perspective required time work on the weakness build the strengths and add first team Champions league quality and a back up for every man.
Hail Hail enjoy the sunshine bhiys and girls and rest up before the stress and real competition starts.
Champions league and expected to win treble isn’t for everyone.
😎🍦⏳️😎
Probably most annoying thing to take from that is that we were obviously a better side ..BUT ..more worrying is AGAIN..the physicality difference…
Newcastle are a very physical side …could be embarrassing
BHOYS 💚🤍💛
These games should probably be behind closed doors
Any spare tickets for the Oasis gig asking for a friend.
Cheers
Not surprised but that performance. It’s what we’ve been serving for months. This team is flat!! Our midfield needs refreshed and energised.
Trusty not improved since we bought him – we need a dominant Center.
Early in the window – I just hope Rodgers can make big decisions on this team , otherwise will be a tippy tappy stale season.
Tippy-Tappy Tippy-Tappy Tippy-Tappy Tippy-Tappy Tippy-Tappy
Tippy-Tappy Tippy-Tappy Tippy-Tappy Tippy-Tappy Tippy-Tappy
lol
If this was Neil Lennon the fake rebels would still be in the car park bawling thur wee victim eyes oot fae the lamentable SCF defeat to mighty Aberdeen FC who now have Rodgers number.
Shhhhhhhhhhhh.
Jings crivvens help ma boab!
I would imagine supporters of other teams would be just a wee bit surprised at the negativity of some of the supporters of an incredibly successful side.
Can’t get too animated at pre season friendly / bounce game results.
I’d imagine it’s a chance to experiment, see some new pairings, stretch the legs and dust off some of the summer sand.
Very hot in Glasgow today, cool heads needed
HS
Spot on!
I am still celebrating last year’s successful season – every day.
Hot Smoked @ 2:29 pm,
Never overlook the hubris and entitlement of Rangers fans in the nineties…
The blueprint for the current Celtic fan.
Hail Hail
tippy tappy brought us 159 goals, 7 goalscorers in double figues
pish so it is.
Quote of the day.
“Yes the linesman played the advantage rule there.”
Peter Grant
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2025/july/12/celtic-suffer-first-pre-season-defeat-against-estrela/
so we used 22 different players.
how dare rodgers give game time to so many b team players, results matter more.
waster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr45TPH0iw0&ab_channel=CelticFC
The Managers seems reasonably happy with today`s performance but what does he know :-)
Glenowen, Joes11 and Chairbhoy .Thanks for the responses .
Cheerio for now
Chairbhoy on 12th July 2025 2:39 pm
i seen a comment somewhere else that the domestic season is benchmarked against a treble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr45TPH0iw0
https://icdn.thecelticstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/imago1062794701-1.jpeg.webp
Sinisalo said: “I’ve played against Benjamin quite a few times when we were youth internationals. We’re the same age, and there’s a little bit of a rivalry going on with the Finland v Sweden situation. I think he scored a couple against me for the under-17s or something!”
“I remember he was always the main man when we played them. There was always a lot of talk about him, with various clubs looking at him. At under 16 and 17 levels, he always played a few groups up as well.”
Sinisalo added: “He’s a great guy. He’s close friends with one of my friends back home as well, so I know a lot about him. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him. He’s got a lot of ability, but he’s also a very nice guy, he’s very down to earth and looking to work as hard as he can.”
“I’ve been really impressed, but it’s no surprise. He’s a brilliant, athletic footballer who is very good on the ball. We are going to see a lot from him this season. I think Celtic fans are going to be very excited watching him.”
https://images.webapi.gc.celticfc.com/fit-in/1400×1400/24c5cf90-5f19-11f0-93a4-7fc67bf3a5f5.jpg
Tippy Tappy does me every day of the week !!!!….
Very very successful!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kSGsG1f7jI
KT interview