It was all smiles on the faces of the Celtic faithful as they were thrilled to see the defender Carl Starfelt make a return to the squad after a long-term injury layoff.

The centre-back joined the Hoops last season after signing from Russian-based club Rubin Kazan. Ever since, he has gone on to be a regular figure in the heart of the defence for Postecoglou side, partnering with his co-defender Cameron Carter-Vickers as the duo grew to form a strong partnership.

Starfelt and Carter-Vickers became instrumental as they contributed largely at the back on the road to winning the SPFL title.

However, the 27-year-old suffered a serious hamstring injury while on international duty with Sweden back in June, which hindered him from taking part in the pre-season preparations for Celtic.

With the 2022/2023 campaign kicking off in full gear, Postecoglou will look to ease Starfelt [Carl] into the game with fixtures coming in thick and fast and the European stages of the UEFA Champions League beckoning on the horizon.

The objective for the Australian manager now is to slowly help the centre back to work his way towards full fitness to make him available for selection once more. Although he was an unused substitute during the 3 -1 victory away to Ross County on Saturday as Stephen Welsh filled in during his absence.

It is safe to say Postecoglou has a strong reinforced defensive cover with the availability of Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh, and new summer arrival Mortiz Jenz with the latter impressing and also scoring on his debut against Ross County.

Celtic resume matchday three of the new season as they make the trip down to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock on Sunday, 14th August 2022.

Written by: Akinnifesi Olumide