Celtic continued their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Sporting CP in the Algarve this evening.
The Portuguese champions provided a step up in opposition for Brendan Rodgers' men, who had previously come up against Queen's Park, Cork City, and Estrela de Amadora.
Rodgers made seven alterations from Celtic's recent 3-2 loss to the latter, with Kasper Schmeichel returning to the ranks, and summer signing Benjamin Nygren getting his first start in green and white.
The Swede impressed with his display, providing an ample link between defence and attack, looking athletic and a continual threat going forward.
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Adam Idah should've opened the scoring in the first half when Kieran Tierney whipped an accurate cross into the penalty area from the right-hand side following a corner.
He came off in place of fellow countryman Johnny Kenny at the break, who, within just a few second-half minutes, won a penalty for Celtic. Reo Hatate stepped up and duly converted to net his second goal in as many pre-season outings.
Kenny, ever-lively, was then involved again as his side doubled their lead on 71 minutes. Driving forward, the striker played a fine ball into the path of Luke McCowan. He nutmegged his man to open up space for a shot, which he calmly slid into the bottom-right corner.
Celtic's two-goal advantage was maintained in the closing stages, as they ended their Portuguese training camp in the most productive of manners.
Next up, the Scottish Premiership champions welcome English Premier League side Newcastle United to Parkhead this Saturday at 3pm.
