CELTIC will kick off their bid for 10-in-a-row with a home game against Hamilton Accies on Sunday, August 2, a match that is set to be played behind closed doors.

And while Neil Lennon and his players will have to adjust to this unfamiliar playing environment, the Celtic manager is hoping that fans will be back at Paradise before too long to cheer on the team in what will be a massive season for the Hoops.

Speaking to Celtic TV, Neil Lennon also thanked the Celtic fans for their backing of the team and the club with the renewal of season tickets for the 2020/21 campaign.

“We’re completely overwhelmed by the support,” the Irishman said. “It’s something that we don’t take for granted, but a huge amount of thanks to everyone who’s contributed back into the club for this season.

“It is a momentous season and we want the players back fit and playing, and we want the fans in the stadium to see the players play, so we’ve got a whole lot to look forward to.

“In the meantime, if it to be initially behind closed doors, it’s really utmost as part and parcel of our preparations that we get used to that environment very quickly.

“It’s a huge motivation and inspiration for the players, and there’s a huge amount of gratitude, and that will be drummed into the players’ mindset going into the season.

“Maybe the supporters won’t be there initially, but they’re with us and that’s a great source of support for the players in the background, to know that when the gates do open again, we’re going to have full houses and great atmospheres and all those things to look forward to.”

Having now won their ninth league title in a row, replicating the achievements of Jock Stein’s legendary side of the 1960s and ‘70s, Neil Lennon’s team are now bidding to make football history by winning their 10th consecutive title.

“It’s so important that we concentrate, first and foremost, on the start of the campaign, and make sure we’re in the right mindset, the right physical condition and we get used to the environment and all the different situations that are going to be thrown at us as we go forward,” the Celtic manager said.

“Every game is going to be hugely critical from our point of few because of what we could achieve as a group and as a club. We have to be really focused. We’ve had a good pre-season so far. It’s been a bit elongated, but that’s been beneficial.

“We’ve had four weeks now and the boys are itching to get a game now, and that’s what we’ve been building up to, and hopefully they’ll start finding their game legs and their match mentality going into the games, so it’s very exciting.

“It’s been a long break but they’ve come back in good condition and their condition is improving all the time.”

Manager: We're overwhelmed by the support the fans have given us