Celtic concluded their pre-season on a triumphant note by winning James Forrest’s testimonial, their final friendly before squaring off against Ross County in the league opener this Saturday.
After an early setback, Celtic rallied back with Reo Hatate equalising, paving the way for a spirited comeback. Alexandro Bernabei, introduced at the start of the second half, brought the Hoops level again, courtesy of a splendid play involving David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley. The match’s winning strike came from Turnbull, who capitalised on Oh’s precision cut-back.
This encouraging victory has surely provided Brendan Rodgers with considerable insights heading into the new season. Below, we highlight three critical takeaways from Celtic’s 3-2 triumph over Athletic Club.
1. The Imperative Presence of Carter-Vickers
Cameron Carter-Vickers marked his return from injury by commanding the defence in the first half. His stalwart performance at the back was instrumental in thwarting numerous threats from Athletic Club. The Hoops’ first-half resilience owed much to Carter-Vickers, who proved irreplaceable in preventing a more significant deficit.
Exhibiting no rustiness, he slotted back seamlessly into Celtic’s defence, indicating his significant role in the forthcoming season’s success.
2. Left-Back Competition Heats Up
The contest for the left-back position has become intriguing with contrasting styles displayed by Bernabei and Taylor. Bernabei’s impressive attacking prowess, evident in his pre-season performances and two goals, has made a strong case for his inclusion in the starting eleven. Rodgers will have some thinking to do. Could Bernabei potentially usurp Taylor’s starting position?
3. A Night of Rewarded Loyalty
The testimonial match was a special occasion, celebrating James Forrest’s loyalty to Celtic. Despite recent seasons spent largely on the bench, Forrest never sought an exit, exemplifying his unwavering dedication to the Hoops.
The team and fans turned up en masse, making the night memorable for Forrest, who is the joint third-most decorated player in Celtic’s history. An excellent ambassador for the club, his legacy is assured in Celtic’s annals.
The testimonial was not only a celebration of Forrest’s illustrious career but also an important preparatory match, offering invaluable lessons for Rodgers and his squad as they gear up for the new season.
