Albian Ajeti is set to get a shot at Celtic redemption after the stand-in skipper netted against Sheffield Wednesday.
Ange Postecoglou handed the Swiss striker the captain’s armband for yesterday’s friendly win, and he repaid his boss by drawing Celtic level after 33 minutes following Josh Windass’ opener.
Ajeti being handed the responsibility came as a surprise, although he may get even more in the coming weeks.
Leigh Griffiths has been sent home from Celtic’s training camp in Wales while Odsonne Edouard’s future remains in doubt.
That could see Ajeti relied upon as the Hoops prepare for their Premiership campaign.
Postecoglou explained: “Everyone will be disappointed with last year. The whole playing group and all the staff come back determined to make amends for what happened.
“The important thing is how you react this year, how you’re training and what your attitude is like. I’ve got no complaints about any of the players.
“It was a difficult year for everyone. When you’re coming into a new club you want them to get settled as quickly as they can off the field. I’m sure Barky and a few of the boys struggled a little bit but that’s in the past now. Now it’s an opportunity for all of them to embrace what we’re doing.
“If they want to be part of what’s happening they just have to show me with their performances in training and matches.”
There was praise for debutant Liam Shaw after the midfielder showed glimpses of what he can do against his former club.
Postecoglou added: “He was good. Liam was one of the ones who grew into the game.
“He’s got real presence about him. He’s a big lad. He’s only beginning his steps in the professional world.
“But I’m not even thinking about starters or non-starters. We’ve just got the bulk of the squad back for this camp.
We’ve had literally two sessions with them. We’ve got a lot of work to do. The key thing is we try to get everyone in great condition for the first game. In terms of who starts, there’s plenty of time to think about that.”
