Celtic rounded off their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against Al Ahli in the Como Cup before edging the penalty shootout 5-3.

It wasn’t a classic by any stretch, but Brendan Rodgers will have taken a few key lessons from the performance as his side gear up for next weekend’s Scottish Premiership opener against St Mirren at Celtic Park.

First and foremost, the second-half response showed there’s still a strong mentality in this group. After being pinned back and outplayed in the first 45 minutes, Celtic came out with a renewed intensity.

Auston Trusty’s equaliser was the product of good delivery, awareness and desire, exactly the kind of qualities Rodgers will want to see from his side when the league campaign kicks off.

Trusty, in particular, looks to be growing into a more assured figure. He’s had an impressive pre-season overall, and this was another solid outing. Defensively, he was aggressive and brave, and his goal was reward for his anticipation in the box.

If Celtic are to navigate the early fixtures without a fully fit Carter-Vickers, Trusty may be the one to lead by example at the back.

Luke McCowan’s performance was another big positive. The former Dundee man has slotted in seamlessly and was arguably Celtic’s standout against Al Ahli alongside Trusty. He brought composure, energy and attacking threat, hitting the post and converting a penalty with calm authority. Whether deployed wide or centrally, he looks ready to play a key role from the off.

New signing Shin Yamada also caught the eye. The Japanese forward showed blistering pace, smart movement and no shortage of confidence. His offside finish was cleanly taken and his involvement in the lead-up to several chances hinted at a player who won’t need long to adapt.

With Celtic short on striker options, Yamada may well have played his way into the conversation for a place in the matchday squad against St Mirren.

There are still concerns though. Paulo Bernardo and Marco Tilio struggled to impact the game. Bernardo looked laboured in midfield and failed to influence the tempo, while Tilio’s decision-making was again underwhelming. The Australian has had flashes of ability, but it’s clear he’s not yet ready to carry attacking responsibility at this level.

Fitness is another issue Rodgers must manage carefully. Alistair Johnston and Carter-Vickers remain short of match sharpness, and neither played beyond the hour mark. The Irishman may need to ease both into competitive action, with Dane Murray and Anthony Ralston potentially in line for minutes if needed.

The shootout win offered a welcome boost in morale and showed composure from the spot, with all five penalty takers converting. Yamada’s confident strike to seal it was the perfect note to end pre-season on.

With 8 days to go until Celtic begin their title defence, Rodgers has seen enough to feel encouraged but also enough to know there’s work still to be done.

Trusty and McCowan are pushing to start, Yamada looks a live option, but questions remain in midfield and around overall match fitness. The champions will need to hit the ground running against a well-drilled St Mirren side.