Celtic’s u-19 side are being put through a strenuous training programme under the Turkish sun ahead of Sunday’s match with Russian outfit Krylia Sovietov.
Steve Frail’s side beat local side Antalyaspor 5-0 last Sunday in their first outdoor match since mid-November.
The young hoops are enjoying the benefits of the di Vinchi programme which provides funding for elite athletes to enjoy the best possible training facilities.
“We’re working the players really hard in training and they can feel the benefits,” Frail explained.
“We had a good win on Sunday against Antalyaspor but understandably we looked a bit rusty at times. Getting a game was good for us and our opponents were a few years older.
“Certain aspects of the game were good and others not so good, we’re looking forward to playing Krylia Sovietov to work on some of those aspects
“Against Antalyaspor we played better in the second half and the games gives us a platform to put into practise what we’re working on in training.
“It was pleasing to see Patrik get amongst the goals, he started the match playing wide on the right then we put him through the middle and he was more effective there.
“He scored three well worked goals and I was happy with his performance.”
Weather conditions at home haven’t improved since the squad flew to Turkey with most clubs in Scotland struggling to find grass surfaces to train on.
With all day sunshine and perfect facilities the Celtic squad is making the most of the conditions before resuming domestic action with a match at home to Aberdeen on January 22.
“We’re training them hard, working at a high tempo where we demand a lot of the players,” Frail added.
“We’ve got great facilities, good surfaces to work on and basically we can work with the players all day.
“They’re on the training ground from 9 till 11, after that they get an ice bath or go into the sea to recover from the training.
“After lunch they get some rest then train again from 4 till 5.30 then have a gym session before or after dinner.”
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