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Robbie Copeland

5 things we spotted at Celtic training as Leigh Griffiths pushes hard to catch Ange Postecoglou's eye

Celtic are back in action after their Europa League heroics this weekend as they face St Mirren at Parkhead on Saturday.

Ange Postecoglou 's team drew first blood from AZ Alkmaar with a gutsy and dynamic performance that edged them closer to the group stage.

Their 2-0 win means there is plenty of work still to do in the Netherlands but Celtic can't afford to look ahead to the second leg just yet.

First, they need to continue their resurgent form in the Scottish Premiership as Jim Goodwin's Saints come to town.

The Hoops will be hoping to make it six straight wins in all competitions as they recover from their early stumble and Postecoglou has been putting his players through their paces at Lennoxtown.

Here are five things we spotted from their Friday session.

Flying Furuhashi

(SNS Group)

With six goals in six games so far, life in Scotland could hardly have started better for Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Japanese sensation was on the scoresheet again against AZ and has scored in each of his last three appearances.

Whether he's leading the line or playing out wide, it doesn't seem to matter, but while he's already a smash hit with the Celtic fans, Kyogo isn't taking anything for granted as he was pictured going at full pelt to keep himself in Postecoglou's good books.

Griffiths pushing hard

(SNS Group)

Another player working hard to curry the favour of his manager is Leigh Griffiths, whose fitness and commitment has come into question in recent weeks.

He's yet to make an appearance this season and the pending arrival of a new striker - whether that's Thomas Henry, Georgios Giakoumakis or someone else - might well spell the end for his Parkhead career.

But Griffiths has never been one to give up easily and he's been doing the running to earn his way back into the first team.

Centre of attention

(SNS Group)

Osaze Urhoghide has been knocking on the door of the Celtic first team and while his competitive debut is yet to come, he is rated highly at Lennoxtown.

The big centre-back has been a regular in the Europa League matchday squads and he's been pushing Carl Starfelt, Stephen Welsh and those above him in the pecking order hard.

A clever snap showed the 21-year-old at the centre of attention, framed in a training mannequin as he stares on intently.

Hart and soul of the party

(SNS Group)

Joe Hart's arrival has been a key part of Celtic's resurgence in form. He's played every minute since his debut against Jablonec, conceding just four times in five appearances and marshalling his new team to five straight wins.

But just as important as his shot-stopping ability and command of his area is his personality. He's at the centre of everything in the dressing room and is already a hugely popular figure among his teammates despite spending just two weeks with them so far.

A smile is never far from the Englishman's face and he was seen keeping Scott Bain's spirits up ahead of Saturday's clash.

King of the castle

(SNS Group)


Ask any Celtic fan what they think of Ange Postecoglou and you'll be met with an avalanche of gushing appreciation.

Despite a trying start, the Aussie's charming personality and sizzling football has won the hearts and minds of the Parkhead faithful, and it seems his players are more than happy to follow him into battle.

He's already the undisputed king in Glasgow's east end, something demonstrated clearly as he was pictured against the backdrop of battlements and old castle towers at Lennoxtown.

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