Celtic’s pre-season games are finally underway. It’s good to be back.

Celtic FC vs Queen’s Park – Pre-Season Match Report
Pre-season Friendly
Friday, 4 July 2025
The City Stadium (Lesser Hampden), Glasgow

Celtic… 1
(Kenny 20’)
Queen’s Park… 0

Pre-season kicked off for Celtic on Friday, and the Bhoys were finally back in action after a long summer break. What we watched wasn’t quite a proper match—it felt more like a training session to shake off the rust—but it was still brilliant to see Celtic on the pitch again. Even though it was only a pre-season friendly, I enjoyed every minute of it.

The Champions played their first game since May and put in a confident performance, beating Queen’s Park 1–0 at the City Stadium—better known as Lesser Hampden—just around the corner from the national stadium itself. And would you believe it, I didn’t even realise that stadium was in Glasgow until now! Silly me—but that’s why I love Celtic: they teach me something new all the time.

From the very beginning, Celtic dominated possession, set the pace, and looked sharp. Brendan Rodgers used the game to mix things up, combining senior players with Academy talent in the starting XI. This was a key chance for the manager to observe the younger Bhoys and see who might be ready to step up for the season ahead.

We got to see some new faces like Bonnar, Frame, Kenny, Summers, Robertson, Ure, Hatton, and Kyle, alongside familiar names like Doohan, Trusty, McGregor, McCowan, and Engels. It was a nice blend of youth and experience.

The performance was strong, even if it wasn’t spectacular. Let’s be fair—it was the first game back after the summer, and it was always going to be more about testing fitness and tactics than showing fireworks. But for us fans, it’s about supporting the team through every step, even in games like this.

Conor Doohan, our returning goalkeeper—not exactly a new signing, but back at the club he loves—put in a solid showing between the sticks. Then, in the 20th minute, came the breakthrough. Johnny Kenny, the young Irish striker, scored a brilliant goal to give Celtic the lead. He’s already known for his power and sharp eye for goal, and he didn’t disappoint. I was so proud watching him put the ball in the net. Even though it was just a friendly, it felt like a magic moment.

It was a nice wee continuation of his goal for the first team just before the season ended. The boss has a decision to make with him. Scoring in this game has done him no harm at all..

Celtic kept pushing for a second, with good chances coming in the 63rd, 75th, and 80th minutes as Rodgers made changes and gave more players the chance to impress. They didn’t find another goal, but the energy and intent were there throughout.

The best chance late in the game came from a lovely setup by Connor Daly, who played in Hatton, and his assist found Isiguzo—but Ferrie, the Queen’s Park keeper, made a fantastic save to deny Celtic a second.

Even so, I left the match feeling happy and proud. It might not have been the most thrilling scoreline, but the Bhoys looked composed and focused. It’s only the beginning of pre-season, and already there are signs of promise.

Now it’s up to Brendan Rodgers to continue evaluating the squad, especially the Academy talents, and build his plan for the 2025/26 campaign. I thought Friday’s game was a strong opening for the returning Champions in green, white and gold—and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

The Bhoys are now back at Lennoxtown preparing for their next pre-season match, which comes against Cork City on 8 July. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for another great performance. These Celtic Lions always know how to make us proud.

CELTIC
First half XI: Doohan, Donovan, Murray, Trusty, Montgomery, McGregor, McCowan, Engels, Bonnar, Kenny, Frame.

Second half XI: Doohan (Clarke 63), Summers, McPherson, Robertson, Ure, McArdle, Hatton, Turley (Daly 74), Welsh, Kyle, Isiguzo.