PRE-SEASON might be a little different for Celtic this season but Scott Bain said the training camp at Loughborough University is exactly what the squad needs as they step up their preparations for the start of the season.

The nine-in-a-row champions arrived in Leicestershire on Monday (July 6) for the next stage of their pre-season schedule and have been using the top-class training facilities at Loughborough University for their gruelling double sessions.

Celtic have been back training at Lennoxtown for a few weeks now but Bain pointed out that having a trip away from home has added benefits for the team.

“It’s been good so far,” said Bain in an exclusive interview with the official Celtic website. “It’s a great facility here and you can tell they take a lot of pride in what they do down here. It’s very professional, the pitches are immaculate and the gym is exactly what we need, so it’s a good trip for the boys.

“It’s always good for the brain to get a change of scenery, it freshens up the mind. It lets the boys get together and spend quality-time together for some team bonding before the season starts.

“The coronavirus means we’re all in our own rooms rather than sharing like we’d usually do during pre-season. I normally share with Nir and we have a good relationship so it’s always good fun. It’s good to have someone on the same page as you because you don’t want to share with a team-mate who stays up late when you like an early night!

“Training in the rain in the UK takes away that additional challenge of the heat,” added the 28-year-old goalkeeper. “We’d obviously like it to be a little bit drier and sunnier, though.

“We’re not losing out by training in a cooler environment. Compared to the heat abroad, it’s maybe a little easier for the boys to get through the double sessions, but the sessions are a little longer because there isn’t that intense heat playing a role in fatigue.”

Scott Bain: Change of scenery is ideal preparation for season ahead