Celtic have confirmed the signing of 21-year-old South Korean winger Yang Hyun-jun.

The attacking player has moved from Gangwon on a five-year contract to link up with compatriot Oh Hyeon-gyu and become Celtic’s third summer signing.

Manager Brendan Rodgers told Celtic’s website: “We’re delighted to bring Yang to the club and I’m sure he’s going to be another great addition to the squad.

“He’s a player that we’ve looked at closely and who we think will further enhance our attacking options which, of course, already include his fellow countryman Oh.

“He’s an exciting player who was the young player of the year in South Korea last season, which is an indication of his quality, and I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to having a big impact at the club.

“It’s also clear that he was very keen to make this move to Celtic so I know he’ll be delighted that everything has now been agreed and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

Yang’s club had been hoping to keep him until the end of their season but the player made it clear he wanted an immediate transfer rather than waiting until the January transfer window.

He said: “I’m very pleased to come to Celtic and I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to begin training with them.

“This is a move that I wanted to make and so it is great to be here in Scotland now as a Celtic player.

“I have spoken to Hyeon-gyu Oh who has already told me great things about the club and its supporters, so I can’t wait to meet them and play in front of them.”

Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi hopes to brush off fitness issues and enjoy a homecoming appearance against Gamba Osaka on Saturday.

Scotland’s player of the year was restricted to a substitute appearance in Wednesday’s 6-4 defeat to Yokohama F Marinos after being troubled by a shoulder injury.

Quoted on Celtic’s official website, Furuhashi said: “Gamba Osaka is a very great team with so many good players and they have played well in the last few games in the league.

“We both have the same attacking football philosophy, so I hope it will be a great game and we can entertain the fans who are coming to watch.

‘Personally, I want to have a presence in the game if I have a chance to play.

“I went to high school in Osaka and played against Gamba Osaka many times when I was with Vissel Kobe.

“So I want to enjoy this opportunity and have a good game against them.

“Obviously we want to win because it is a game, but at the same time we want to play great football and we want to entertain our fans.”

Furuhashi, who recently signed a new four-year deal, added: “There are lots of people here who believe in me and love me and need me.

“I was very happy when I was offered a contract extension and I want to continue to repay the favour with results.”

Brendan Rodgers is “really looking forward” to stepping up Celtic’s pre-season preparations in Japan after ending “a fantastic week” in Portugal with a 4-1 friendly win over Portimonense on Saturday.

The recently-appointed Hoops boss has enjoyed running the rule over his team at their warm-weather training camp in the Algarve over the past week.

And Rodgers, whose side kick off their cinch Premiership title defence at home to Ross County on August 5, is excited about seeing Celtic continue the build-up to the new campaign on their Japanese tour, with matches against J-League sides Yokohama F.Marinos on Wednesday and Gamba Osaka next Saturday.

“It is a tough schedule over the two weeks, here in the heat (in Portugal) and it will be similar heat in Japan, with the humidity,” Rodgers told Celtic’s website on Saturday.

“Obviously the teams we’re playing out there are already halfway through their season, so it will be a step-up again in challenge for us, but that’s what we want.

“We need that challenge at this time of the season to improve our fitness level. We’ll get back today (Saturday), recover tonight and then we’re away tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to Japan.”

Rodgers was pleased with the way Celtic performed as Reo Hatate, Liel Abada, Ben Summers and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored in a behind-closed doors win over Portuguese top-flight side Portimonense.

“We’ve had a fantastic week, so to finish off with a decent performance and a good result for the guys, even though that is not the most important thing at this stage, I was really pleased,”

“Obviously the heat’s been sweltering here but in terms of the intensity and some of the football was very good. There’s still a long way to go but I’m really pleased.

“You can see with some of the goals we scored, our pressing high up the pitch and looking to win it, and then we took our chances. It was a really good run-out.

“For some of the guys, the international guys, it was their first bit of game-time but overall it’s been a really good week.

“It’s been a tough week for the players and the staff, because there’s been no real time in the schedule for much, but they’ve worked really well in this first part of the tour which was really pleasing.”

Left-back Greg Taylor, who played 45 minutes against Portimonense, knows the value of an intensive pre-season for a Celtic side who will be competing in the Champions League while also trying to defend all three domestic trophies in the campaign ahead.

“We’re a team that wants to score goals, that hasn’t changed, and we’re also a team that wants to try and keep clean sheets, so we’ll be building that in pre-season, but right now it’s all about getting the work in more than results,” he said.

“Getting a full pre-season under your belt, there’s nothing more important for a footballer.

“We’ll have a long, hard season with lots of games, and games – you saw it last season – pushing right to the last minute and getting important goals.

“All that work’s done in pre-season because you’re building your fitness for the long hard slog ahead.

“Every single player has tried to impress and have given their all, and I hope we continue that into Japan because there’s more hard work there to come.”

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed defender Alistair Johnston could miss the first two months of the new season following ankle surgery.

Canada right-back Johnston, a regular starter under former manager Ange Postecoglou after arriving from Montreal in January, initially sustained the injury in April.

The 24-year-old returned for last month’s Scottish Cup final win against Inverness, but has since failed to fully recover.

Rodgers, currently at a training camp in Portugal with his squad, said: “Alistair had an issue when he came back from international duty, a problem with his ankle.

“In the operation, he had a couple of bits removed, which was successful. He’s out here with us. It’s probably a six to eight-week injury, but hopefully he’ll be fit sooner than that.

“He’ll progress really well and better to have it done at this stage than some time during the season.”

Rodgers had better news on another Hoops defender, Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has rejoined the squad in Portugal ahead of schedule after undergoing knee surgery in April.

The USA centre-half had been expected to be out until the end of August, but could be fit in time for the season’s opener against Ross County.

“Cameron is doing very well, he’s out on the pitch,” Rodgers said. “After the surgery he had after the (Scottish Cup) semi-final he’s doing really well.

“He looks strong, so he’s progressing and he’s well on schedule to be back, so that’s good news.”

Rodgers, who returned as Celtic manager in May following Postecoglou’s departure to Tottenham, is hoping to further strengthen his squad.

Norwegian midfielder Odin Thiago Holm and Australia winger Marco Tilio were signed earlier this month from Valerenga and Melbourne City respectively.

Rodgers confirmed Tilio will not recover from an injury he sustained before arriving in Glasgow in time for the start of the season.

Following forward Jota’s recent departure to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, new forward recruits are high on Rodgers’ wish-list.

The former Leicester boss said: “The modern game, for a lot of players, it’s also a business for them. Careers are short and (Jota’s) been given an opportunity to go and look after himself and his family, so we have to respect that.

“So he’s gone and of course we have so many talented players here, but we’d like to do some business in that area of the team as well.”

Rodgers confirmed Republic of Ireland winger Mikey Johnston, hoping to force his way back into favour at Celtic Park after spending last season on loan with Portuguese side Guimaraes, will be sidelined for up to three months due to a back problem.

The Hoops are scheduled to play a second friendly against Portimonense in Portugal on Saturday before flying out to Japan, where they will face Yokohama F. Marinos (July 19) and Gamba Osaka (July 22).

Rodgers’ side are due to play Wolves at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (July 29) and then Athletic Bilbao in their final pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on August 1.

Daizen Maeda wants to “share the joy and happiness” with Celtic fans again as he looks to build on last season’s success.

The tireless Japan forward signed a new four-year deal earlier this month – testament to the success he has enjoyed in Glasgow since arriving from Japanese side Yokohama F.Marinos at the start of 2022.

Maeda has scored 19 goals in 71 appearances – including a goal on his debut against Hibernian at Celtic Park – and has won four trophies, including last season’s historic domestic treble.

Added to that, the 25-year-old’s family have adapted well to life in Scotland and, speaking to Celtic TV, he said: “It is amazing to be able to play for Celtic for many more years.

“I would like to share the joy and happiness with the supporters and have more success again.

“I can’t live in a place where my family doesn’t settle well.

“Fans and supporters in the city and at the nursery for my kids have helped us a lot, so now we feel that the city is very comfortable to live.”

Maeda has been capped 12 times for Japan, scoring three goals, the most recent coming last month in a 4-1 Kirin Cup win over Peru.

The attacker is looking forward to returning home again next week with Celtic as the Scottish champions take on Gamba Osaka and Maeda’s former club, Yokohama F.Marinos, in pre-season friendlies, which will give the Hoops players more chances to impress new boss Brendan Rodgers.

“He is a fantastic manager,” Maeda said. “As a team, we are aiming to achieve success again with the new gaffer this season.

“Individually, I want to perform better than last season.

“I went back to Japan recently for national-team duty, but it will be the first time to go back and play some games as a Celtic player, so I’m looking forward to it.

“Marinos are a strong team. The team was strong when I was there too, and they have been winning the league recently but, yes, I want to beat them.

“They are pre-season games. We have to try to win but also we will be playing to prepare for next season.”

Meanwhile, Celtic have announced a friendly against Wolves in Dublin. Rodgers’ side, after their trip to Japan, will face the Premier League side at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, July 29, with a 2pm kick-off.

Ange Postecoglou revealed Brendan Rodgers was in regular contact with him during his time at Celtic, then outlined his successor’s Champions League aspirations.

The new Tottenham head coach made the move to north London at the end of the season after securing the domestic treble for the Parkhead club.

During two years of success where Postecoglou won five out of six domestic trophies, Rodgers kept in touch.

The former Leicester boss has returned to the Hoops hot-seat for a second spell and is looking to make his mark in the Champions League, where, as cinch Premiership champions, Celtic will enter at the group stage next season.

At his first Spurs media conference, Postecoglou spoke about the Northern Irishman’s return to Glasgow.

He said: “He’s absolutely the right man. He’s a fantastic manager and he loves that football club.

“He was constantly messaging me while I was Celtic manager to make sure that I stayed on track and we had success.

“I’ve exchanged messages with him and he was very, very supportive when I got the (Celtic) role.

“Even when I got this role, he sent me a nice message and I’ve reciprocated and stayed in contact with him and all the staff there.

“I’ve no doubt they’ll have great success.

“Hopefully, they can make an impact in the Champions League, I know that’s what his ambition is.

“That group of players and staff certainly have the capability to do that. Hopefully, that happens.”

Rodgers described Celtic as a “bucket list” club for managers and admitted some soul searching took place before he decided to move from Glasgow, where he had spent two years following his move from Japanese outfit Yokohama F Marinos.

The former Australia, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory boss said: “My wife and my kids loved it up there and my whole family was really happy.

“I’ve got two young ones and they’ve lived abroad their whole life in four different countries.

“We made the decision as a family that wherever my profession took us, we’d go and we’d experience that.

“My wife knows better than anyone, I can’t resist a challenge.

“That’s when I’m at my best and my history is I’ve never stayed too long at too many clubs. I’ve always left when clubs are successful.

“All I’ve tried to do whenever I’ve been, like most managers, is leave the club you’ve inherited in a better place than where you picked it up and hopefully make a positive impact.

“It was a tough decision, for sure. But it was also a tough decision to leave the Australian national team before a World Cup, it was tough to leave Yokohama after winning the championship there.

“You establish relationships with people and these are always tough decisions. For me, I’ve always gone with my gut on these things.

“I know when I’m at my best, and I’m at my best when the challenge is the biggest. I thought this was a challenge that would fit all the things I’m looking to achieve.”

Ange Postecoglou described Celtic as a “bucket list” club for managers as he tipped continuing success under his replacement Brendan Rodgers.

The new Tottenham boss stunned Hoops supporters when he left for London at the end of last season, days after clinching the domestic treble in Scotland with a Scottish Cup final win over Inverness.

Postecoglou, who won five out of six trophies in his two seasons in the Celtic hot seat, was succeeded by Rodgers, who has returned for a second spell in charge of the cinch Premiership champions.

Speaking at his first Tottenham media conference, the former Australia manager was asked if leaving Glasgow was a difficult decision.

“Yes it was a tough decision,” he said. “It’s a special football club. If you have a bucket list as a manager of football clubs you want to manage, that is probably one of them.

“The supporters are not really supporters, the club is an extension of them, it’s a family.

“We had a brilliant two years, great group of players, great staff. We had some fantastic success and great moments within that.

“I will cherish them, but I am the kind of guy who loves a challenge. I love a build, I love a rebuild. That is where I feel I am at my best.

“This challenge when it came along had all the elements I need to get going again.

“I know Celtic have appointed Brendan Rodgers, who is an outstanding manager, and they will continue to have success.

“They have great players, great infrastructure, it is a great football club. I was very fortunate to be allowed that responsibility for a couple of years.

“Now my goal is to try and make some special moments here and create something special for this great football club as well.”

Captain Callum McGregor has signed a new five-year contract with Celtic and is targeting more success under returning boss Brendan Rodgers.

The 30-year-old Scotland midfielder’s new deal – which comes after recent contract extensions for both Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda – will see him remain at Parkhead until the summer of 2028.

McGregor came through the youth ranks at Celtic and has spent over 20 years with the club, winning 20 trophies to date including a record five domestic trebles.

Rodgers returned to the Hoops hot seat following the departure of Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham after winning the treble, and McGregor is hoping to keep the trophies coming.

He told the club’s official website: “It’s amazing to extend my stay at the club. As I’ve touched on before, this club means so much to me and the success that we’ve had over the past few seasons has cemented that.

“I feel like the club’s in a great place to move forward as well, and when they came and asked me to extend my stay I was absolutely delighted.

“Brendan’s a top manager and I had the pleasure of working with him before and seeing what he did with that group of players, especially a young, hungry group similar to ourselves, and the way he progressed us and took us on.

“His personality around the place gives the building another lift as well, so the club’s in a really strong place.

“We did some great work over the last couple of years but it’s important that we bank that and we continue to move forward because in football you always have to continue your progress and get even better.

“I’m delighted that the manager’s back, I’m delighted that I’m going to be here long-term as well, so here’s to many more successful years.

“I just want it to continue for as long as possible. I’ve spoken before about the trust that the guys have put in me at this club, and I want to repay that every time I go on the pitch.

“They’ve been amazing for myself and for my family. It’s given me a wonderful life and some amazing memories.

“Together with the Celtic fans what we’ve achieved are memories that will stay with me forever, and there’s only one place that I want to play football and that’s here.”

Celtic new boy Marco Tilio revealed his dream move to Celtic Park was two years in the making.

The 21-year-old Australia winger joined last week from Melbourne City on a five-year deal for a fee reported to be around £1.5million, a record for an outbound transfer made by an Australian club.

Tilio arrived in Glasgow following the departure of Hoops manager and fellow Australian Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham and became the second signing of Brendan Rodgers’ second spell at the club.

Speaking at Celtic Park, the former Sydney FC player said: “I never spoke to Ange but I have spoken to the club for a number of years and they had a plan to track me. They kept tabs on me for a couple of seasons but I don’t know too much.

“For me it’s been about playing football and doing what I can control and that’s on the field. All the other things outside of the football I have never really thought about and I just tried to perform on the field.

“I spoke to the new manager before I signed and he had a great plan for me and for the club and I wanted to be part of that.

“Since I moved to Melbourne City three years ago it was my goal to get to Europe. Here I am with an opportunity that’s presented to myself and I can’t wait to get started.

“The move to Europe has always been on my mind. A couple of weeks ago I knew everything was falling into place and it was amazing for myself because it’s such a big club.

“I couldn’t say no, it was an opportunity that presented itself.

“I spoke to him (Rodgers) before I signed and he said I’m an exciting attacker and he likes to play an attacking brand of football and that’s what I like to do as a player, excite the fans.

“I just love to go forward and make things happen. I hope with this opportunity I have that I can do that.”

Tilio also discussed the move with fellow Australia international Aaron Mooy, who retired from football at the end of the season at the age of 32 after winning a treble with the Hoops, and he is happy to embrace the expectations at Celtic .

He added: “I spoke to Aaron Mooy before I made my decision and being involved with him at the national team a few times.

“He couldn’t speak highly enough of the club and the people at the club and it brought it to my attention that I really wanted to do this.

“It’s going to be massive to try to win back-to-back trebles, that is what the club’s goal is. At Melbourne it was all about winning trophies as well and I have some experience of doing that so I hope I can bring that here.

“It’s a massive bonus playing in the Champions League. It’s a dream and to be part of a team that’s going into that tournament is amazing and hopefully I can present myself on that stage too.”

Daizen Maeda has handed Celtic another attacking boost by signing a new deal until June 2027.

The 25-year-old Japan forward has become a key player for the Hoops since taking only four minutes to score his first Celtic goal on debut against Hibernian in January 2022, following his move from Yokohama F Marinos, initially on loan.

Fellow Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi also signed a new deal earlier in the week which takes him to 2027 and has now been joined by Maeda, who scored in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Croatia amidst a treble-winning season for Celtic.

He told the club’s official website: “It is a very happy moment for me and my family.

“Since we moved from Japan, everyone at the club and, of course, the supporters have been amazing and we are enjoying our life in Scotland.

“Celtic is a special club so I’m very pleased to extend my stay here. When I signed I said that my ultimate goal was to win the league and we have done so, twice.

“Becoming a treble winner last season has been one of the highlights of my career but we must now prepare for next season.

“Our aim will remain the same, to work hard together with the manager to bring success to the club and our supporters.

“We have three trophies to defend, and we also have Champions League football, so I am excited to get started.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “Daizen has many qualities that I like in a player – high intensity, attack-minded and his work rate on and off the ball is exceptional.

“He has played a key role in the team since he arrived, helping to secure yet another treble for the club so I am delighted we have been able to secure a new deal with him.

“Daizen’s attributes make him a really exciting player and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Joe Hart lavished praise on Kyogo Furuhashi as he described his delight about the Japan striker’s decision to extend his time at Celtic.

The 28-year-old attacker has scored 54 goals in 83 games since signing from Vissel Kobe in 2021 to become a huge fans’ favourite at Parkhead and is now tied to the treble winners until 2027 after signing a new four-year deal earlier in the week.

Speaking at Lennoxtown, where he was promoting James Forrest’s testimonial match against LaLiga side Athletic Bilbao next month, veteran goalkeeper Hart said of Furuhashi’s new contract: “It’s huge, what a great bit of news that is.

“I love him as a person, he’s a beautiful person and he’s an exceptional footballer.

“He has been brilliant since he came in and really shone for us last year in big moments and he really sets the tone for a high-pressing, exciting football team.

“He’s loved here. And obviously he’s felt that because he’s wanted to commit a real important time in his career to this club and we appreciate that.

“I think the statement of the club is that if you want to be here and you’re playing well then you’re welcome. And if you don’t, then we’ll look for someone who does.”

Hart is also impressed by new boss Brendan Rodgers, who has returned to Celtic for a second time as boss after Ange Postecoglou departed for Tottenham.

He said: “We’ve been we’ve only been together a couple of days now but you know he’s an exceptional guy.

“I’ve had run-ins in the past with him as an opponent and actually bumped into him a few times on holiday.

“He is a lovely person first and foremost, which is very important, and a very successful manager with huge drive.

“He laid it on the line, he actually stood here in front of us and let us know how proud he was with what we did last year, but that was last year.

“And we now need to build on it and try and improve and push each other.”

Hart was, perhaps unsurprisingly, less expansive when asked about friend and former England team-mate Jack Butland, who joined Old Firm rivals Rangers from Crystal Palace.

The 36-year-old former Manchester City goalkeeper, who signed for Celtic in 2021, said: “Good move for him. Obviously I go way back with Jack.

“I’m very respectful of the two clubs that we play for so I’m not really going to go into it but I’m happy that he’s found a home.

“I have spoken to him. We’re going to we share the same city but, as I say, I’ve got a lot of respect for what goes on between the two clubs and I’m sure he’s going to go and do his thing and I’ll try and do mine.”

The highly-decorated Forrest came through the youth ranks at Celtic before making his first team debut in 2010.

Hart said: “I’ve not been on the journey with James, but I’ve certainly shared a dressing room with him for the last two years and you wouldn’t think that this guy is the guy that is one of the most decorated and one of the most successful (at Celtic) – a quadruple treble winner right?

“He’s a superb person, someone that I’ve loved sharing the dressing room with.

“What a moment for  himself and his family and I really hope I’m going to be a part of it. It’ll be a great night.”

Matt O’Riley revealed Brendan Rodgers has told his Celtic squad to consign last season’s domestic treble to history to focus on more success.

The Hoops completed the clean sweep of trophies in Scotland for the eighth time before popular boss Ange Postecoglou stunned the fans when he departed for Tottenham.

Rodgers has returned to Parkhead for a second spell as boss, having won seven trophies out of seven in his first stint in charge between 2016 and 2019 before leaving for Leicester, but, according to Hoops midfielder O’Riley, he is clearing the way for a fresh start to next season.

Following a tough training session at Lennoxtown, the 22-year-old said on Celtic’s official Twitter account: “It is an amazing achievement,  we’ve kind of broke that record again, which is a massive, massive credit to us and the fans of course.

“It has definitely sunk in, but at the same time Brendan has come in already and basically told us that it’s done now, isn’t it?

“So obviously, it’s there, it’s in the history books, but at the same time now we’ve got another season to kind of do it again.”

The former Fulham and MK Dons player is appreciating a more hands-on managerial approach from the Northern Irishman.

He said: “So far it’s been amazing. Everyone seems quite upbeat and I think he brings that just in terms of how he goes about things.

“He’s not reluctant to come and sit with us at lunch and just have a chat which I think is quite nice.

“So it’s nice, refreshing kind of change in a sense just to have a bit more openness about the place so I’m looking forward to that.”

O’Riley is relishing the upcoming trip to Japan, where preparations for the new season will continue and which will also provide a homecoming for Celtic’s Japanese contingent of Kyogo Furuhashi, Yuki Kobayashi, Tomoki Iwata, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.

O’Riley said: “It’s supposed to be quite humid and sticky, so it’s going to be quite tough to train in it, but I think that’s probably the perfect preparation for us going into the season.

“I think we get a day off as well, which we’re spending in Osaka, which I’ve heard is a really nice place.

“So I’m looking forward to that. And, yeah, I’ll be sure to ask Japanese boys for some advice what to do today.”

Celtic have confirmed Portuguese winger Jota has left the Scottish champions to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.

The 24-year-old makes the permanent switch following two years in Glasgow, having spent one season on loan from Benfica before signing a permanent contract.

Jota helped Celtic to two league titles during his time with the club, scoring 27 goals over a two-year spell in all competitions.

He follows a number of high-profile players in joining the Saudi Pro League and becomes Al-Ittihad’s third signing of the summer after former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante signed for the club.

After the signing, Celtic wrote on the club website: “In his time in the Hoops, Jota won two league titles as well as picking up winner’s medals in both the Scottish and League Cups.

“Everyone at Celtic Football Club wishes Jota success in his future career.”

Celtic have announced the signing of Australia international Marco Tilio from Melbourne City.

The 21-year-old winger has agreed a five-year deal at Celtic Park and becomes the second signing of Brendan Rodgers’ second spell at the club.

Tilio, who follows a host of Australians to pull on the green and white hoops, told Celtic TV: “I’m ecstatic that I’m coming over to Europe, coming to such a big club and team, and I’m super-excited.

“I hope to bring all my qualities, take on players in and around the box, help the team contribute to goals with assists and hopefully put a few in the back of the net as well.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for myself and having seen Aussies go over there and do well at such a prestigious club, it’s a massive opportunity for myself that I couldn’t deny.

“And being around those guys, Aaron Mooy and Tommy Rogic, in the national team camp over recent years, obviously helped make my decision easier.”

Tilio joined Melbourne three years ago from Sydney FC but always had his sights on a move to Europe.

He added: “It’s always been a plan ever since I moved over to Melbourne three years ago.

“It was my plan to go over and do well, and hopefully proceed to go on to different and bigger and better things, and now I think is the time for me to come over to Europe and really challenge myself.

‘And I’m really excited with the opportunity I have to come to this club and hopefully I put my best foot forward and play some good football.’

“I think it’s a massive opportunity to be a part of a team that plays in the Champions League, and have a winning mentality in bringing trophies. I think that’s important.

“And as a player that’s what you want to be a part of and what you want to do is win trophies, win games. For me it’s always been about that here in Australia and I want to come over there and do the same thing.”

Tilio, who will make the journey from Down Under to Scotland in the next week, joins Odin Thiago Holm as the second summer arrival at the club.

The cinch Premiership fixtures have been announced, giving fans plenty to look forward to ahead of the big kick-off on August 5.

Here we look back at six classic top-flight encounters which took place on the opening weekend.

August 1, 1999 – Aberdeen 0 Celtic 5

Celtic’s new managerial partnership of boss John Barnes and director of football Kenny Dalglish were dubbed the Dream Team by the excited Hoops faithful and they got off to the perfect start as Henrik Larsson and Mark Viduka struck twice apiece in a Pittodrie mauling. But Barnes’ Parkhead reign turned into a nightmare and he was sacked following a humiliating Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness.

July 30, 2005, Motherwell 4 Celtic 4

Just two months after having the SPL title ripped out of their hands by two-goal Motherwell striker Scott McDonald on Helicopter Sunday, the Hoops were back at Fir Park with new boss Gordon Strachan in charge, days after a 5-0 Champions League qualifying defeat by Artmedia Bratislava. This time it was the Glasgow giants who were celebrating at the end as Craig Beattie’s injury-time equaliser ensured a first-half John Hartson hat-trick did not go without reward as they claimed a dramatic point, but only after Well came from 3-1 down to lead with the aid of another McDonald goal.

August 2, 2015 Hearts 4 St Johnstone 3

Hearts made their Premiership return in style as Robbie Neilson’s side came out on top in this seven-goal thriller. After unveiling the Championship flag they threatened to blow Saints away early but every time they got their noses in front, back came Tommy Wright’s Perth outfit. In the end it took a close-range Sam Nicholson strike to secure the points.

August 7, 2016 – Hearts 1 Celtic 2

Brendan Rodgers began his first Premiership campaign at Celtic with a late win at Tynecastle as his side kicked off what would be an unbeaten domestic season. With Rangers unfurling the Championship flag before an Ibrox draw with Hamilton, champions Celtic were unusually away from home on the opening day and went into the game following Champions League qualifying wins against Lincoln Red Imps and Astana which had difficult moments. They also had their work cut out in Gorgie after Jamie Walker cancelled out James Forrest’s early opener with a contentious spot-kick. Hearts had a penalty claim denied before substitute Scott Sinclair struck an 81st-minute winner hours after completing a move from Aston Villa.

August 5, 2018 – Aberdeen 1 Rangers 1

Steven Gerrard experienced a roller-coaster ride during his first campaign in charge at Ibrox and there were plenty of thrills and spills during his side’s opening Premiership clash. The Light Blues found themselves a man down at Pittodrie after just 12 minutes as Alfredo Morelos was sent off for a kick out at Dons defender Scott McKenna – a decision later overturned on appeal. Despite their numerical disadvantage Gers dominated and took a deserved lead on the half-hour mark with a James Tavernier penalty. But Gerrard’s league bow ended in disappointment as Bruce Anderson fired home in stoppage-time to hand the hosts a point on his debut.

July 31, 2021 – Hearts 2 Celtic 1

Ange Postecoglou also travelled to Tynecastle for his Scottish football debut, days after Celtic fell to Midjtylland in the Champions League qualifiers. The Australian was still assembling his squad and Carl Starfelt had a shaky debut 24 hours after his first training session, after getting out of quarantine, while Kyogo Furuhashi made a late debut off the bench hours after meeting his new team-mates. Celtic gave Hearts a guard of honour ahead of their hosts unfurling the Championship flag and soon fell behind to Gary Mackay-Steven’s goal. Anthony Ralston hit an impressive equaliser but John Souttar headed an 89th-minute winner to the delight of the 5,272 fans who were back in Tynecastle following Covid restrictions.