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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Cameron Carter-Vickers injury latest ahead of Celtic opener

Cameron Carter-Vickers made his return to the pitch last night during Celtic's win over Athletic Bilbao. 

But the American international faces a race to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday's Premiership opener against Ross County.

The defender came through his part of James Forrest's testimonial game with little problems.

It was a boost for Brendan Rodgers, as the 25-year-old stepped up his recovery following three months out with a knee injury.

Despite his appearance, there are no guarantees he will be ready to face County on Saturday come 12.30pm, though.

Rodgers said: “We have to analyse that over the next couple of days, but it was great to have him back. He is a very important player for us.

"Tony Ralston as well, coming back. We’ve built it up really well. Come Saturday when it matters we’ll be ready for sure.”

There were four home debuts for the Hoops last night, with Maik Nawrocki, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Yang Hyun-Jun, and Norwegian Odin Thiago Holm all making their bow at Parkhead.

The boss added: “Even in a testimonial game, if you give the ball away, you’ll know about it. But that’s being at a big club. They’ll have had a taste of it.

“Odin was excellent, his comfort on the ball and his ability. He combined really well. Yang was direct and promising. It’s the first taste for these guys and they’ll only get better.

“The second-half team was excellent. Our positioning was good. In the first-half we were running all over the place and playing on our own. That’s not what my teams are about.

“Second half I thought the team was excellent. The midfield three were outstanding in terms of Odin, Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull. Overall I was really pleased for James. To win the game is nice for him. The second team was excellent.”

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