Celtic FC B’s pre-season preparations continue this week, with the Bhoys making the trip to Ireland to face off against Sligo Rovers.

The young Hoops arrived in Sligo on Monday, ahead of Tuesday evening's friendly match at the Showgrounds.

The hard work is already underway with the 2023/24 campaign quickly approaching, and Tuesday’s game should prove to be a good test for the Celts.

Speaking ahead of the match, B Team coach Darren O’Dea reflected on his young squad’s pre-season so far, stating: “Pre-season has been good. This is a really, really young group we have got.

“So although we are working the players extremely hard, you are a tiny bit conscious of the fact they are still at a very young age.

“They maybe can’t handle the physical loads as well as a senior player can. So we are trying to be careful in how we do things.

‘But at the same time, we are trying to push as hard as we can. It’s a mixture between physical work and there is a lot of tactical stuff that we need to work on.’

“There is going to be changes this year in how we play. But ultimately, at Celtic the overall principle is about trying to attack and dominate the ball will always be the same.

“There is lots of work to be done, and we are just kind of going through it nicely and the players are applying themselves really well.”

The young Celtic squad will get more crucial minutes in the legs tomorrow night, as they gear up for the start of the Lowland League campaign later this month.

O’Dea is looking forward to seeing how his side will fare versus the League of Ireland Premier Division side, as the Hoops go up against more senior opposition.

“It is probably a game that you would look to take later in the season, to see as a benchmark of where you are at,” he said.

'We are playing against a men’s team, who are doing pretty well in their own division. It will be a huge test.'

“As I say, we have got a really young squad, so to play against men with a bit of an atmosphere as well, it will be a massive test for them, but that is what Celtic players have to handle.

“It won’t be defining tomorrow, but it will be nice to gauge exactly where they are at. What we will definitely see as the season goes on is massive improvements.”

It is bound to be a proud moment for O’Dea at the Showgrounds as he gets set to lead his squad out as a coach in his homeland of Ireland.

The former Ireland internationalist is looking forward to the opportunity of being in the dugout on Tuesday, and to watch his side put in more hard work this pre-season.

He said: “It’s great to be managing in Ireland. Obviously, I’ve played in the national team here, and playing for Celtic was as proud as you could nearly get.

‘Playing in the National Team brings the most pride.’

“So to be here as a head coach with Stephen (McManus) for Celtic, in Ireland as well, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Darren O’Dea: Sligo Rovers will be a big test for young Celtic squad