ARNE ENGELS enjoyed a Premiership title and Premier Sports League Cup double in his debut campaign as Celtic’s record £11million purchase.
However, it’s the one that got away – the Scottish Cup – that rankles with the 21-year-old Belgium international playmaker.
Engels, surprisingly substituted just after the hour mark by Brendan Rodgers in the Hampden penalty-kick loss against Aberdeen on May 24, is now in Portugal with the squad as the pre-season training is ramped up at Lisbon’s City of Football training centre which is used by the country’s international team.
BRING ON THE NEW SEASON…Luke McCowan and Arne Engels prepare for next month’s Premiership kick-off.
The smooth operator was involved in the 1-0 victory over Queen’s Park at the City Ground a week ago and also the 2-1 triumph over Cork City in Ireland on Tuesday.
Now, as the Premiership opener against St Mirren at Parkhead on Flag Day on August 3 edges closer, the player has every intention of being fit and raring to go to meet the challenges of a new crusade.
Engels said: “The team have unfinished business from last season. It’s going to be a really exciting term for all of us and we are here to get a really good preparation to be the best of ourselves.
“It’s really been a tough couple of weeks already with double sessions, so it’s a good preparation.
“I’m really excited to be doing my first pre-season here. I always want to do better and better – and it’s no different this year.
“I’m setting new goals of my own and also as part of the team, so, hopefully, I can reach them.”
Celtic will face Estrela da Amadora 11am tomorrow and then Sporting CP at the Estadio do Algarve on Wednesday evening at 7.30 and boss Rodgers, has been keen to insist there are “no friendlies, only tests.”
Engels, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “It’s always nice to get in to details. That makes you better and, for the team, we’re only going to be stronger and stronger.
“I feel that already in the training sessions, the quality is getting better. I’m really excited for the upcoming training sessions and games.”
