Celtic return for pre-season training tomorrow without any star names being put through their paces.
The internationalists, including Jonny Hayes, will be missing but Brendan Rodgers will be there leading from the front with every player involved knowing the demands of the Irishman.
It will probably take another year and three transfer windows for Rodgers to put together the squad that he really wants but with Kris Commons and Efe Ambrose removed there’s not much evidence left over from Neil Lennon’s time in charge.
At various times last season Rodgers spoke about his long term goals or legacy aims with youth development high on his list of priorities.
For many modern managers, looking at a two year timescale, youth development is of no concern but whenever Rodgers does leave Celtic he’d like to have uncovered and developed another couple of players like Kieran Tierney and Callum McGregor.
Both players had been at Celtic for over a decade before picking up their Scottish Cup winners medals and were definitely in the team on merit.
As the end of season results proved there is plenty of talent coming through the youth ranks at Celtic, very few will make the elusive breakthrough with the season ahead certain to be defining for these four players.
LIAM HENERSON
It’s three years since the midfielder made his first team debut away to Kilmarnock and followed that up with his first goal in the three-in-a-row title party away to Partick Thistle.
Since then his career has had to take on a lot of challenges including two changes of manager and two loan spells away from Celtic.
With Ryan Christie on his way to Aberdeen for a season Henderson needs to follow the example of Callum McGregor and force his way into the side.
He has earned the praise of Brendan Rodgers at various times but has also been out of contention for a place on the bench for most of the major matches.
ANTHONY RALSTON
Made a big impression on Rodgers last season and has to make a similar impact on the first team.
With Cristian Gamboa likely to be on his way Ralston has the opportunity to become understudy to Mikael Lustig and put in a dozen or more top team appearances.
He grabbed the chance to impress when he went on loan to Queens Park two seasons ago, now it gets serious with the stakes raised.
With the physique to match his ability he has a great opportunity but also knows that Kieran Tierney has set a demanding benchmark.
AIDAN NESBITT
Played a big part in Morton’s success last season but faces a tough test to transfer that form into contention for a place at Celtic.
He can play in any of the three attacking midfield roles or even as a striker but faces tough competition to make the breakthrough.
As Gary Mackay-Steven prepares to depart Jonny Hayes arrives on the scene which sums up the dilemma Nesbitt faces.
It may take a loan stint in the Premiership to bring out Nesbitt’s ability to dazzle and eventually step into the boots of Patrick Roberts.
KRISTOFFER AJER
Made a big impression on loan at Kilmarnock and could be a contender for a first team place next season.
Brendan Rodgers never quite settled on a central defensive combination last season with Eoghan O’Connell and probably Kolo Toure no longer contending for a jersey.
Ajer seems to offer leadership qualities which is an area of the game that appeals to Rodgers.
If Ajer impresses in pre-season he could be the fourth choice centre back going into the new campaign.