Pre-Season Friendly
Friday, July 4, 2025
The City Stadium, Glasgow

QUEEN’S PARK…0

CELTIC…1
(Kenny 20)

Celtic returned to action for the first time since May with a composed and dominant display at the City Stadium, opening their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Queen’s Park courtesy of a first-half goal from Johnny Kenny.

Brendan Rodgers’ side had a blend of first-team experience and emerging Academy talent in the starting XI, and from the outset, the Hoops controlled possession and imposed their rhythm.

Dane Murray had the first real chance on 10 minutes, heading wide from an excellent Arne Engels corner. The Belgian midfielder, dictating play in the centre, then went close himself with a curling effort just off target.

Moments later, Jude Bonnar’s clever cut-back flashed through the box, and Kenny was a constant threat, leading the line with energy. At the other end, Ross Doohan comfortably dealt with Queen’s Park’s first attempt - a long-range effort from Jamie Bradley.

Celtic’s deserved breakthrough came on 20 minutes. A scuffed shot from Adam Montgomery fell kindly to Mitchel Frame, who cut the ball back for Johnny Kenny to fire into the roof of the net from close range.

The Bhoys kept pressing for a second. Auston Trusty’s header from a Luke McCowan cross was cleared off the line by Charlie Fox, while Jude Bonnar’s back-post header flew just wide as the champions continued to dominate.

As planned, the manager made sweeping changes at the break, introducing a full new outfield XI, with Ross Doohan the only player to remain. It gave an opportunity to a number of Academy prospects including Thomas Hatton, Francis Turley and Samuel Isiguzo.

Hatton came closest early in the second half with a powerful strike tipped on to the crossbar by Callum Ferrie, before Turley drove narrowly wide with a low effort.

Ben Summers, lively down the left, created another big chance with a clipped cross for Isiguzo, who couldn’t direct his header on target. Josh Clarke then replaced Doohan in goal just after the hour mark.

Celtic’s best late opportunity came after fine build-up from substitute Conor Daly, with Hatton’s pass running through to Isiguzo, but Ferrie made another fine stop to deny the Hoops a second.

It was a strong opening to pre-season for the returning champions, who now turn their attention to further preparations at Lennoxtown ahead of Monday’s trip to Ireland to face Cork City on Tuesday night.

CELTIC
(First half XI): Doohan, Donovan, Murray, Trusty, Montgomery, McGregor, McCowan, Engels, Bonnar, Kenny, Frame.

(Second-half XI): Doohan (Clarke 63), Summers, McPherson, Robertson, Ure, McArdle, Hatton, Turley (Daly 74), Welsh, Kyle, Isiguzo.

Celts kick off pre-season with victory over Queen's Park