The result was fine, but this Celtic squad still needs work

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·27 Juli 2025

The result was fine, but this Celtic squad still needs work

Celtic wrapped up their pre-season in Italy with a 1–1 draw against Al-Ahli, eventually winning on penalties to finish third in the Como Cup…

uston Trusty of Celtic FC (C) celebrates after scores the first goal during Como Cup match played between Al-Ahli and Celtic FCat Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Against a physically imposing opponent, it was a decent enough result—and thankfully it brings to an end these pre-season runabouts, though this was probably the most competitive outing yet.

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The performance, however, left plenty of questions hanging as we head into the new season. Celtic struggled to match Al-Ahli’s physicality in the first half, but grew into the game in the second and finished looking the more composed side.

Auston Trusty scored the equaliser and put in a composed shift at the back

There were bright spots. Auston Trusty scored the equaliser and put in a composed shift at the back. His performance likely did his chances of starting no harm as Just an Ordinary Bhoy has already noted this morning on The Celtic Star, and Brendan Rodgers now faces a big decision over who partners Cameron Carter-Vickers—who, for his part, looked more assured as he continues to build fitness, still a stride or two behind most of the squad.

Franck Kessie of AL-Ahli and Hayato Inamura of Celtic FC in action during Como Cup match played between Al-Ahli and Celtic FCat Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Hayato Inamura showed glimpses of real quality on the left side of defence, linking well with midfield and showing composure on the ball. It was also the first time we’ve seen him properly tested physically, and he stood up to it with a wiry strength that belies his slight frame.

Shin Yamada of Celtic FC in action during Como Cup match played between Al-Ahli and Celtic FCat Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Shin Yamada also caught the eye

Callum Osmand added a bit of spark when introduced up front, injecting some urgency just as others naturally began to fade. Shin Yamada also caught the eye. His hold-up play was secure, his pressing relentless, and converting the winning penalty on his debut will surely boost confidence after a frustrating run of luck in front of goal in the J League.

COMO, ITALY – JULY 26: Celtic FC team line up during the Como Cup match between Al-Ahli and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Elsewhere, James Forrest showed his experience, leading by example in spells. Luke McCowan brought a level of determination that lifted the team during their stronger second-half showing. And Paulo Bernardo quietly impressed—more so in a deeper role where he can knit things together and tidy up play, rather than being asked to push forward and take risks. If Callum McGregor needs rotation this season, Bernardo looks the likeliest option to step in. The No.8 experiment might not be worth persevering with—he’s hit and miss there—but deeper, he looks composed and purposeful.

The midfield lacked bite overall, and too many attacking moves fizzled out

Still, the midfield lacked bite overall, and too many attacking moves fizzled out. Things were a bit pedestrian at times—something we’ve seen in patches this pre-season, especially in Como. To be fair, it was a low-stakes game and several first-team players were rested, so judging too harshly is difficult.

Shin Yamada and Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic FC celebrate the victory at the end of the Como Cup match between Al-Ahli and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The penalties were very well taken, and Sinisalo’s save sealed the win. He looked confident, and it was great to see him have a moment like that. Whether he gets more chances remains to be seen, but he’s quietly making a case for himself.

The result was fine, but there’s still a clear sense that this squad needs work

Overall, fans will likely feel mixed. The result was fine, but there’s still a clear sense that this squad needs work.

Depth is a concern in some areas, and quality in others—especially out wide. We’re short on real competition in those positions. Marco Tilio, for all his effort, still looks too slight for the rigours of Scottish winter football, especially against the kind of physical opposition where he’d be most likely to get minutes. Yang and Forrest are sturdier options for what’s coming.

Paulo Bernardo of Celtic FC competes for the ball with Fahad Al-Rashidi of Al-Ahli SFC during the Como Cup match between Al-Ahli and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Pre-season is about building rhythm and trying things out. We’ve seen some promising partnerships take shape, and younger players stepping up—Colby Donovan looks like he could do a job at right-back, and Ben Summers showed more work rate than some might have expected given his reputation as a technical player.

The next few weeks are vital. This squad has potential, but without the right additions, it could be a long season

But fans are right to expect more—especially with European qualifiers and a long domestic campaign ahead. The next few weeks are vital. This squad has potential, but without the right additions, it could be a long season. The hope is that the board recognises that and moves quickly. Two proven wide players and ideally another striker—though Yamada gives us hope with his impressive debut—would raise the level and give the squad a much-needed lift.

For now, we’ll take the penalty win and third place. But the real tests start next week, with Flag Day. Let’s hope Celtic are ready.

Niall J

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Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.

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