After a 2-2 draw with Legia Warsaw Ange Postecoglou was quick to dismiss the idea that the opening period of the game in Poland had been Celtic’s best showing in pre-season so far. 

The game marked a special occasion for former Hoops keeper Artur Boruc who was paid homage to by both sides before and after the match.

There was however important business to be getting on with as Celtic prepared for competitive action in just over ten days time.

Before the interval, the Scottish champions played some lovely free flowing football with two terrific goals coming from Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.

Postecoglou’s side were deserving of their half time lead and could have headed into the break with more than a two goal cushion.

Almost instantly after the second half kicked off with seven changes coming for Celtic, the team conceded a really poor goal to give Legia a lifeline to drag themselves back into the game.

When the manager was asked his thoughts on the game in his post-match interview with Celtic TV he rebuked the idea that the first half had been some of Celtic’s best football.

“No, that’s looking at it half glass full, absolutely. There was some good football but we can be better – we will be better.

“We’re in a phase of pre-season where the boys are working hard. We’re making some mistakes that are not normally there because of that factor but it’s the only way we’re going to be good this year if we work hard through this period.

“Once the games start, we won’t be able to (make mistakes). There are examples to improve in the first-half, second half… there’s always examples to improve.

“The point of the exercise now is not to win games of football, the point of the exercise is to prepare a team to win games of football. Today was another process for us where we need to keep building and working hard in training to make sure we’re ready when the real stuff kicks off.”

Last night was Celtic’s final match on the road during pre-season with Saturday’s match against Norwich City being the final test before the Hoops prepare for the league opener against Aberdeen the following Sunday.

In terms of a potential line up on Saturday afternoon, Postecoglou may be tempted to start with a full compliment near to the side which will take on the Dons and look to utilise less players off the bench.