Celtic defender Carl Starfelt has warned that his Hoops side are only getting started following their return to action after the World Cup break. 

The Scottish champions have already racked up victories against Aberdeen, Livingston and St Johnstone to retain their nine point advantage at the top of the SPFL Premiership but the Swedish defender insists they haven’t even scratched the surface. 

Next up for the league leaders is a tough away test at Easter Road before heading into the New Year derby game but Ange Postecoglou’s side look as though they are just getting back to where they want to be. 

Many believe that if they can get through the next two games with victories the title race would be all but over and that’s before new additions Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi can make their mark. 

Celtic aren’t likely to stop there during the January transfer window as they are also in the driving seat according to reports to sign Yokohama F Marinos star Tomoki Iwata and South Korean international Cho Gue-sung. 

It could be very easy for players to get complacent but Starfelt has insisted that it isn’t an issue at Parkhead as players continually look to improve. 

Carl also describes the Celtic dressing room as being a ‘little bit on edge’ because there’s so much competition for places. A great thing to get the best out of the players.

“Is there more to come from us? Yeah, we need to keep improving,” said Starfelt as quoted by The Scottish Sun. 

“We always want to evolve. We want to do big things so we need to keep improving. You could see that in the Champions League.

“Now it’s domestic this year, but in the long term we want to keep improving and be able to give even more in the European competitions.

“Is that doable? For sure. You can always get better.

“I feel like we have been evolving consistently and if we keep working with these players, I’m sure we will get even better.”

The arrival of Kobayashi will provide some competition for Starfelt as he is a more naturally sided left footed defender but the former Rubin Kazan centre back is looking forward to the challenge. 

“Of course there’s competition and you need to be on form — and it’s not only in my position.

“It’s almost all of the positions. It keeps everyone a little bit on the edge. You know that you cannot relax at all in games or even in training.

“In games, it’s a bit more natural to give 100 per cent but also in training you need to be really at it now.

“It’s good. At a club like Celtic, that’s how it should be.

“We are all aware of how we want to play.

“Obviously you do want that consistency in the back line. You want to get to know each other and work as a unit.

“No matter who comes in, it’s very clear what you should do.

“Reo Hatate came in at full-back against St Johnstone and he adapted really well.

“Cameron Carter-Vickers is a really good player and I’ve enjoyed playing with him since he came.

“I feel like we have a good chemistry on and off the pitch. We see many situations the same way. He’s a very strong player.

“You always know what you will get from him. He’s easy to play with.”