NEIL Lennon and his players want the Celtic fans back in the stadium and cheering on the team as soon as possible, and the Hoops manager knows that the club is doing everything it can to make that a reality.

The new Premiership season is set to kick off in August, initially behind closed doors, although the hope is that fans will return sooner rather than later.

Training has resumed at Lennoxtown for the first-team squad, albeit working under the current restrictions, but Neil Lennon has been delighted with the way his players have worked on maintaining their fitness during the lockdown.

Speaking to Celtic TV from the home dugout at Paradise, the Celtic manager said: “We’ve had the players back for just over a week and that’s caused a lot of anticipation and excitement, and it was great to see them all back.

“It’s brilliant to be back here at Celtic Park. The pitch looks beautiful, the sun’s out and we’re just all ready to go, really.

“The players will probably need another couple of weeks preparation, but they’ve come back in really good condition. I’m delighted. They’ve done some really good work, and they’ve obviously kept themselves in good nick during the pandemic, so they’re just itching to get back to it as well now.

“How football in Scotland manifests itself as we come back, we don’t know, but we’re doing everything we can as a club to be purposeful and be positive about getting it started as best we can.

“Some players thrive on big atmospheres and they look forward to the games and having the fans is such a huge ingredient for a successful team, and no more than Celtic because we’re synonymous with having a fantastic support.

“They’ll be missed but hopefully it will be a short-term fix and we can get the punters back in sooner rather than later, but to be fair to the club, behind the scenes they’re doing everything they possibly can to make that happen.”

And Neil Lennon also thanked the Celtic supporters for the backing of the team and the club during this time.

“I think they’re magnificent and I’m very grateful for their support, putting their hands in their pocket at such a difficult time,” he said. “Being a Celtic fan, it’s an identity, it means so much to the individual and families as well, and no more than this year with what lies ahead.

“It’s going to be very exciting, and we guarantee that we will do everything we can to bring more success to the club.”

Manager: Celtic are doing everything they can to get fans back