Celtic’s pre-season preparations took a significant step forward with a commanding 4-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday, 19th July, at Celtic Park. The match, part of an intensive pre-season schedule, showcased Celtic’s attacking flair and defensive solidity. Goals from Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and new signing Benjamin Nygren sealed the victory, but the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Kieran Tierney, who made an emotional return to Celtic Park after rejoining the club on loan from Arsenal. Tierney, a boyhood Celtic fan and academy graduate, was visibly moved by the reception. “It’s emotional being back,”. “This place means everything to me, and to hear the fans again—it’s hard to put into words.” The 29-year-old defender, who started the match, delivered a typically robust performance, reinforcing his value to Rodgers’ squad as they prepare for a demanding season.
➡️ Spoke to Kieran Tierney this afternoon at Celtic Park. What a pleasure it will be to see him back playing in the Hoops. More on @CelticStarMag ✍️ pic.twitter.com/uTFakSR8cF
— celtsmedia (@celtsmedia) July 18, 2025
The victory highlighted Celtic’s growing cohesion, with Rodgers praising the team’s “outstanding football” while noting the need for sharper finishing in the final third, as seen in their earlier 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon. However, striker Adam Idah’s precautionary substitution due to a groin issue raised concerns, with Rodgers confirming post-match that the injury is being monitored.
Kieran Tierney 63. pic.twitter.com/gz7KNPAymo
— P🍀 (@KTearKnee63) July 19, 2025
Looking Ahead: Building Momentum
With the new kit unveiled and pre-season victories stacking up, Celtic are building momentum for the 2025-26 season. The emotional return of Kieran Tierney, coupled with the arrival of Shin Yamada and other signings like Benjamin Nygren, signals Rodgers’ intent to refresh the squad while maintaining their domestic dominance. However, the rejected bid for Munteanu underscores the challenges of competing in the transfer market, particularly against wealthier European clubs.
As Celtic prepare for their next pre-season test against Ajax in the Como Cup, fans are eager to see the new kit in action and the squad take shape. The pursuit of a new striker remains a priority, with Rodgers likely to explore alternative targets if Munteanu’s price proves prohibitive. For now, supporters can purchase the new kits via Celtic’s official website and celebrate Tierney’s return as a sign of the club’s enduring spirit. The combination of a fresh kit, a returning hero, and promising new signings has set the stage for an exciting season at Celtic Park. As Rodgers fine-tunes his squad, the Hoops are poised to make waves both in Scotland and on the European stage.
