WHILE Celtic’s pre-season friendly against Stade Rennais didn’t produce any goals, it was still a productive 90 minutes as the players got more valuable game-time under their belts. The game saw Christopher Jullien and Luca Connell both make their first appearance for the Hoops, while Leigh Griffiths continued to look sharp following a good pre-season.

And assistant manager, John Kennedy, confirmed that the striker will be in contention for a starting place on Wednesday night, when Celtic take on FK Sarajevo in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier.

Speaking after the game against Stade Rennais, Kennedy said: “After the difficult game on Tuesday night, with the heavy pitch and the travelling, we got out of it what we wanted. We would have liked a bit more action in front of goal in terms of in the box and maybe some goals, but the fitness benefit will be great for us.

“The games in between the European ties are very important in terms topping up the fitness levels of the ones who maybe didn’t play in midweek, while the ones who have had a longer off-season maybe need a bit more sharpness.

“We got that today, which is the most important thing. There doesn’t seem to be many knocks or injuries, so we just prepare now for Wednesday night.

“I’m delighted with Leigh Griffiths too. He’s done terrifically well throughout pre-season in terms of his application, and he’s trained every single minute. That was a challenge in its own for Leigh after coming from a period of time out, so it was about making sure he got the training in and didn’t pick up another injury that could set him back.

“He’s got through the hardest part of it, and now we’re beginning to see a bit more of what Leigh Griffiths is all about. When he’s playing off the shoulder he’s looking sharp in his pressing. He tailed off a bit towards the end so we made the change, but that’ll hold him in great stead going forward. Leigh will definitely be in contention for Wednesday.”

Nir Bitton was one of those who had played in Bosnia last Tuesday, and he got another 45 minutes under his belt today, though he took a knock to his knee close to half-time. However, John Kennedy said that it didn’t look like anything too serious. As for the new Bhoys, the Celtic assistant manager was pleased with their Paradise bows.

“Christopher has had a longer period off than our guys,” he said, “so for him it’s about getting the fitness and sharpness back.

“He’s a big guy who takes a bit of time to get going when his fitness is down, but in terms of where he was when he came in and where he is now, we’re seeing a big difference in how he’s moving, his fitness levels and his sharpness. We’ll continue working that and now that he’s had a game under his belt he comes into contention.

“And Luca is a guy who’s got talent. He came in and did very well at Bolton. He’s been around the Irish squad and we spoke to people there who rate him very highly. We brought him here because of his talent.

“He’s a young player who’ll need time to develop and he comes into a club where he can do that. He had a thigh injury during the summer and arrived late in camp so his fitness levels are a bit lower than everyone else and he’s one that will have to build up over time as well.”

John Kennedy: Friendly match valuable for Euro preparations