Celtic are nine days away from the real start to the season- Champions League qualifiers against Rosenborg or Dundalk.
Two matches against Linfield are little more than an irritation ahead of the serious stuff as Brendan Rodgers attempts to reach the group phase of the Champions League for the second season running.
There hasn’t been any wholesale changes to the squad of players that he inherited but apart from a couple of signings every player has been transformed.
Malmo and Maribor could have hung over the careers of several Celtic players but instead they now have the badge of honour of back-to-back draws with Manchester City on display.
Most startling of all Moussa Dembele has been transformed from a £500,000 Championship striker into a £30m target for clubs that take part in the Champions League season after season.
While a strong domestic campaign helped Dembele, like Victor Wanyama previously, it’s making an impact in the Champions League that gets clubs to sit up and take notice.
Being in the Champions League feeds every aspect of the club, no one knows that more than Rodgers- over the next six weeks he’ll be looking for this team to deliver the goods.
CRAIG GORDON
After being handed a new contract in March it’s hard to see Brendan Rodgers spending big to bring a new first choice keeper, a younger rival to replace Dorus de Vries is more likely.
Gordon came in for strong criticism after Scotland’s 2-2 draw with England but was almost flawless in Celtic’s treble triumph.
The Champions League qualifiers will bring tougher tests but with the benefit of being involved in three previous campaigns he’s the man to trust to see us through.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Has seen it all, including a few right-back rivals, since joining up from Rosenborg in 2012.
He may soon be in for a return to Norway in the Champions League but that won’t faze him, he’s seen the good, bad and the rest in European action with Celtic.
His attacking instincts seen to have returned over the last few months of the treble season but it’ll be his defensive qualities that are required in the qualifiers ahead.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
Missed last season’s Champions League qualifiers through injury and only started in two group matches.
His status was secured by a certain tackle at Ibrox but two years after arriving on a big fee he needs to put in some commanding appearances in the Champions League.
He strolled through the first leg tie with Linfield but from here on in the challenges will be tougher, he’ll be expected to rise to the occasion and provide leadership in defence.
ERIK SVIATCHENKO
Has been presented with an unlikely chance to impress due to Dedryck Boyata’s knee injury.
Last season was one of contrasting periods as he slipped down the rankings under Brendan Rodgers’ ruthless leadership.
He’ll need to raise his game quickly if he wants to retain his place, Rodgers has options of a three man defence that are unlikely to contain the Dane.
KIERAN TIERNEY
It looks like he has hardly blinked since battling through the Hampden traffic to collect his Scottish Cup winners medal.
In pre-season he has been sharp and effective with his combinations with Scott Sinclair likely to be a big factor in the coming weeks.
A year older and more experienced than last year Tierney is someone that his manager can babk on giving him 8 out of 10 performances in every match.
SCOTT BROWN
The skipper is the heartbeat of Rodgers’ side, whatever was said at that dinner last summer has worked spectacularly.
Brown is still prone to the occasional disciplinary brush but playing on the edge seems to bring out the best in his game.
Whoever he plays alongside in central midfield he’ll bring out the best in them, his form is essential to Celtic’s hopes of reaching the group phase of the Champions League.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
With a growing question mark over Stuart Armstrong’s future McGregor has shown that he has the ability to play in a vital position- and score vital goals.
He is also a relative veteran of Champions League qualifiers after making a memorable debut away to KR Reykjavic.
Week by week he was improving over the last couple of months of the season, he’ll need to continue that form with Eboue Kouassi and Nir Bitton chasing his place in the side.
JAMES FORREST
Another youngish veteran who knows what it’s like in these qualifiers- his goal four years ago against Karagandy was priceless.
The arrival of Jonny Hayes won’t have come as a shock or frightened Forrest who was quickly identified by Rodgers for a new contract.
Rosenborg or Dundalk won’t be any surprise to him as he bids to return to the Champions League where his pace is an obvious asset.
OLIVIER TDCHAM
The qualifiers are the games that Rodgers wanted his star signing in for, not waiting to reach the group phase then see who is available.
The French u-21 could have waited to see if Celtic reached the group phase but wanted in on the qualifying action alongside his pal Moussa.
If he can find his fitness and form for the third qualifying round it will be a big lift for vthe side- neither Rosenborg or Dundalk could dream of a signing like this even if they were to reach the group phase.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Has survived a week that no human should ever be subjected to and still produced a goal and stylish performance in the hate pit of Windsor Park.
Last season’s multiple Player of the Year award winner will be desperate for another crack at the Champions League after last season’s taster.
Given a reasonable draw and his flourishing partnership with Kieran Tierney there’s every reason to be optimistic for this season’s adventures- provided the qualifiers are negotiated.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Has still to hit top form but will sense that the Champions League is near and recall how that competition transformed his career.
It took an ice cool nerve to score a last minute penalty against Astana with the execution of his second goal against Manchester City something that few players could wish for.
There will be pressure and expectations on Dembele this season- that’s when the big players are at their best and deliver.