Celtic captain Callum McGregor admits he's one of the few footballers who enjoy pre-season after he and his teammates returned to Lennoxtown this week.
The central midfielder will be looking to get off to a flying start in the 2025/26 campaign, aiming to put his crucial Scottish Cup final penalty miss behind him.
"It’s been a long summer," McGregor told celticfc.com. "Longer than what I am used to anyway. But over the last few days, you are just eager to get back in and get back on it.
"You always have that excitement about what a new season can bring, with the opportunities and possibilities.
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"So, it’s nice to get away, refresh and take stock a little bit. Once you drive through the gate this morning, you are back to work, and the serious stuff starts now. So, we’re looking forward to it."
Celtic have a host of friendlies on the horizon this summer against the likes of Newcastle United, Sporting CP, Ajax and more.
The overarching focus of pre-season is on fitness, sharpness and getting back into the groove. It has changed from days gone by, though, explains McGregor.
He said: "I think nowadays, pre-season, the bedding in period is probably a little bit easier, like getting straight into running to be sick.
"The game has changed a little bit since then. It’s the guys in the medical department who do all the screening to make sure everybody is okay.
"We had a light break-in session this afternoon, and then on Saturday the double sessions start.
"I might be a little bit different, I quite enjoy pre-season. I was up at seven o'clock this morning, ready to go and champing at the bit to get out the door."
Celtic's first pre-season friendly takes place next Friday as they travel across Glasgow to take on Queen's Park.
