Celtic begin the defence of their Scottish Premiership title with a flag day celebration at Celtic Park, as they host Dundee in the opening match of the season. The champions, who secured title No.56 last season, are looking to build on their success with new signings Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran.
Team News and Lineups
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has named a strong starting XI, with new striker Kasper Hogh leading the line and Camilo Duran on the right. The team lines are: Sinisalo, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney, McGregor (c), Engels, Nygren, Yang, Duran, Hogh. Subs include Doohan, McCowan, Tounekti, Osmand, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Donovan.
Dundee, under Steven Pressley, field a youthful side: Goodman, Odutayo, Astley, O. Bevan, Wright, Finnigan, Murray (c), Reilly, Westley, J. Bevan, Hamilton. Subs are O'Hara, Halliday, Robertson, Hay, Forrest, Besir, Oosenbrugh, Crombie, Bland.
Pre-Match Comments
O'Neill said of the flag day celebrations and his new signings: "We'd hope it's an inspiration anyway [flag day celebrations], even though this is sort of traditional in this aspect. It's nice, but it's really ephemeral, it's gone now and the season starts afresh."
He added: "I am [excited to see Hogh and Duran playing together], absolutely and I think the crowd will be as well too. Duran has made a really good impression so far, Kasper just starting out and hopeful that they'll do well in their Celtic careers."
Pressley, speaking to Sky Sports, acknowledged the challenge: "A little bit of both, to be honest with you. If you look at Celtic's history over the course, they haven't lost and opening day home game for 76 years so, when you say daunting, yes, but are we looking forward to the challenge? Of course."
Match Action
The match kicked off at 19:31 BST. Early chances have been few, with Kasper Hogh dragging a shot wide in the 19:41 update. Dundee had a big chance through Charlie Reilly, who passed into the side netting. The score remains 0-0.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor unfurled the league flag before kick-off, with 60,000 fans in attendance, including former manager Martin O'Neill, who is now back at the helm.
