21 Celtic Stars Return for Pre-Season: Forgotten Bhoys Eye Fresh Start Under Martin O’Neill
As the summer sun beats down and the 2026 World Cup continues to captivate fans worldwide, Celtic Football Club is gearing up for the new campaign.
Martin O’Neill, the legendary former Celtic boss who returned as interim and secured the domestic double, has now been confirmed as permanent manager on a one-year deal with an option for another.
The 74-year-old icon brings vast experience, passion, and a winning mentality back to Parkhead. With a threadbare squad initially due to international commitments, O’Neill will be working with what he has while pushing transfer activity hard.
Pre-season is always an exciting time for fans. It’s a chance to see who steps up, who impresses the new (or returning) management, and which fringe players can force their way into the plans. For the “forgotten Bhoys,” this could be the opportunity for a clean slate after loans, limited minutes, or inconsistent form.
The Context: A Squad Hit by World Cup Absences
Eight first-team players remain on World Cup duty, meaning O’Neill won’t have his full squad until potentially late July or early August. Scotland duo Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston are pushing for knockout stage glory. Auston Trusty has helped the USA advance, Alistair Johnston is shining for Canada, and others like Benjamin Nygren (Sweden), Yang (South Korea), Daizen Maeda (Japan), and more are involved.
This absence creates both challenges and opportunities. Fitness work will be prioritised, tactical foundations laid, and early impressions made. Meanwhile, transfer links are hot – Marcelo Saracchi is expected to make his loan move permanent, and reinforcements are needed across the pitch, especially in goal, defence, midfield, and attack.
The 21 Players Returning: A Player-by-Player Breakdown
Let’s dive deep into the 21 stars set to report back, expanding on their situations, potential roles, and what fans can expect.
Goalkeepers
Viljami Sinisalo: The Finnish international has the No.1 spot for now after Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement. He’s reliable but O’Neill is reportedly targeting competition. Pre-season will be vital for him to stake his claim.
Ross Doohan: The homegrown backup provides UEFA squad-list value. He’s likely third-choice once new signings arrive but offers stability and depth.
Defenders
Cameron Carter-Vickers: A massive boost. The American colossus missed most of last season with injury and never played under O’Neill. Fully fit, he’s a potential game-changer at the back – leadership, aerial dominance, and composure on the ball. His return feels like a new signing.
Liam Scales: Rewarded with a new four-year deal. O’Neill rates him highly. A potential long-term partner for Carter-Vickers, versatile and improving.
Dane Murray: Turning 23 this week. No longer a prospect, the big centre-half had limited game time but will target a breakthrough. Physical, composed – could he finally nail down minutes?
Maik Nawrocki: Back from a loan at Hannover (18 apps). Promotion missed, but experience gained. Could he reintegrate or move on permanently?
Colby Donovan: 19-year-old right-back who impressed in Johnston’s absence. High potential; a loan might aid development, but he could stay and learn.
Adam Montgomery: Versatile left-back, 24 soon, but barely played for Celtic since 2021 due to injuries and loans. Contract running down – this pre-season could decide his future.
Midfielders
Callum McGregor: The skipper, leader, and heartbeat of the team. Recharged after international retirement. Still the first name on the teamsheet, but he’s called for ambition in the transfer window. His leadership under O’Neill will be key. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={“cardIds”:[“4381f1”]})
Luke McCowan: Diehard fan who extended his deal. Needs more consistent minutes. Creative and energetic – a useful squad player who could surprise.
Arne Engels: Talented but linked with big-money moves (£25m valuation). Nottingham Forest and others interested. His future could dominate headlines.
Paulo Bernardo: Fringe player who struggled for minutes. Bombed out last term – needs a strong pre-season or a move to revive his career.
Reo Hatate: Fan favourite reportedly keen on a new challenge after falling out of favour. Dynamic when on song, but needs consistency or a fresh start elsewhere.
Kyle Ure: Highly-rated academy product, likened to a “mini McGregor” by Scott Brown. Loan at Ayr was positive. At 20, this is his chance to impress O’Neill.
Francis Turley: Northern Irish talent with a bumper deal. Loan experience gained – needs to kick on in midfield.
Attackers and Wingers
Jota: Long-term ACL injury sidelined him for 14 months. Return not expected until October. Huge question mark over whether he regains his dazzling best.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha: £5m signing who looked lost. Working hard over summer to salvage his Celtic career, but may be surplus.
James Forrest: Celtic’s most decorated player at 35. The “Scottish Ryan Giggs” – experience invaluable during transition. Still capable of moments of magic.
Callum Osmand: Ex-Fulham prospect with massive potential. Limited senior minutes but scored huge goals (including title-clincher vs Hearts). Recovered from hamstring issues – watch this space.
Shin Yamada: Japan international who flopped on loan in Germany. Future at Celtic looks doubtful.
Johnny Kenny: Hit form at Bolton. Confident of becoming a 20-goal man. Irish striker has the tools – can he deliver at Celtic?
O’Neill’s Vision and Transfer Priorities
O’Neill inherits a squad in transition. Retirements, potential sales (Engels, Hatate), and loans mean gaps. Priorities likely include a new goalkeeper, left-back cover (Saracchi permanent?), central defenders, creative midfielders, wingers, and strikers. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={“cardIds”:[“7b522c”]})
The veteran manager knows Celtic inside out. His previous tenure delivered trophies and memorable European nights. Fans are hopeful he’ll instil discipline, fight, and tactical nous while integrating youth and smart signings.
Pre-season friendlies (including a trip to Dublin) will offer early glimpses. Fitness, cohesion, and new tactical ideas under O’Neill and his staff (Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, Stephen McManus mentioned in reports) will be key. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={“cardIds”:[“d6d763”]})
What This Means for Celtic Fans
This pre-season is about more than fitness. It’s about resetting after a chaotic season of managerial changes. O’Neill represents stability and ambition. The “forgotten Bhoys” like Murray, Bernardo, Balikwisha, Kenny, and academy talents have everything to prove.
For supporters, it’s a time of optimism mixed with realism. Champions League qualifiers loom, and squad depth is essential. Smart recruitment alongside developing homegrown talent could set the foundation for sustained success.
Expect intense sessions at Lennoxtown. Players returning from injury (Carter-Vickers, Jota recovery) or loans will be hungry. The core – McGregor, Scales, etc. – will provide leadership.
Looking Ahead: Six in a Row and Europe
Celtic go into 2026/27 as defending champions chasing history. O’Neill’s experience in big games is a huge asset. However, the squad needs investment to compete on multiple fronts.
Fans will be watching closely for early signs: Who emerges as leaders? Which youngsters shine? How quickly do transfers materialise?
The Daily Record report highlights a squad that’s motivated but thin initially. The next few weeks will shape the narrative for the entire season.
Hail Hail – bring on pre-season!