The Old Firm of Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes were on target tonight as Celtic ended their three match German tour with a 2-1 win over Aalen.
Celtic found themselves a goal down after just four minutes but finished the game strongly with Hooper equalising in the 65th minute and Stokes striking 12 minutes later.
Mikel Lustig and Victor Wanyama came in for their first appearances of the season alongside Kelvin Wilson and Charlie Mulgrew in defence.
Lennon fielded one of his strongest midfields in James Forrest, Joe Ledley, Beram Kayal and Kris Commons with Stokes and Hooper together in attack.
The new look defence had barely got their bearings when Aalen took the lead from a free-kick, Foster held the initial header but was unable to keep Benjamin Hubner from poking the rebound into the net.
Celtic immediately tried to push forward but the German side were setting the pace forcing Forster into a few impressive saves as the hoops struggled to impose themselves in the game or create chances for their strikers.
Scott Brown replaced Kayal at the internal with Dylan McGeough coming on for Lustig just past the hour but most of the traffic was heading towards the visitors goal where Forster was impressing.
Paddy McCourt replaced Wanyama in the 63rd minute and almost immediately Celtic equalised with Hooper netting the first goal of the season after McCourt and McGeough had combined to open up the Aalen defence.
Mo Bangura replaced Hooper after the goal and was joined on the park by Daryl Murphy seven minutes later as Celtic chased a second goal.
With 13 minutes left to play Celtic took the lead when Stokes poked the ball through the keepers legs after great build up play between Forrest and Brown.
CELTIC: Forster; Lustig (McGeough 62), K. Wilson, Wanyama (McCourt 63), Mulgrew; Forrest, Ledley, Kayal (Brown 46), Commons (Bangura 65); Hooper (Murphy 73), Stokes
Unused sub: Zaluksa
SCORERS: Hooper, Stokes
I like this new title for the Celtic strike pairing . . .the ‘Old Firm’ it has a good ring to it and as its never going to be used again for anything else why not. The ‘Old Firm’ = the striking partnership of the Celtic duo – excellent!
Who are Aalen? I’ve never heard of them.
sevco 5088 never heard of them either ya mug hail hail enjoy the ramsdens cup.
I would look forward to the Ramsden Cup, but the Hogwarts book of Scottish Football rules says we can only enter if we have a pesky licence.
You lot dont usually worry about rulebooks do u? Enjoy peterhead, after youve finished your pre season tour ( of 3 a side at murray park ) hahaha
Look ya muppet, concentrate on yer own div 3 team, your grandchildren will be Celtic fans!!
Who are Brechin? never heard of them either.
who did Celtic play a few nights ago and what was the score?
sevco – ramsdens cup, glasgow celtic champions of scotland – champions league = JUSTICE. HAIL HAIL chris enjoy brechin,elgin,peterhead and the rest see you when ever
Fool
would somebody remind me who sevco /newco former huns current huns are even playing in pre-season ha ha ha ???
GSW
You have a few tough friendlies lined up I as see… Kelty Hearts, Beith and Hawick Royal Albert…
No players though, its against the rules.
Why don’t you all f**k off and die then?
What’s does GSW stand for anyway, Green shags Walter!!!!