Celtic drew 1-1 away to Shelbourne in their first pre-season friendly.
The match looked like ending goal-less until two late penalties were awarded to either side.
Shelbourne scored first but Shin Yamada equalised after a mainly lifeless 90 minutes.
There was little to learn from the exercise other than the traditional getting minutes in the legs. Martin O’Neill changed his entire side at half-time to give 22 players game time.
CELTIC FIRST HALF LESSONS
Callum McGregor was the stand out player of the first half, looking sharp and assertive in the centre of the park.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha popped up in some spaces without creating too much. Sean McArdle, normally a central midfielder struggled to get involved stuck out on the right flank.
Callum Osmand showed good movement but also a rusty touch around goal.
At the back Cameron Carter-Vickers was playing his first match in eight months. A few more outings will be needed to get back to match fitness.
Joe Haney at left-back was the only genuine rookie in the Starting XI, he looked mobile and forward thinking but will need more contests like this to develop.
Celtic did carve out a few chances but the home ‘keeper was barely tested. A low shot from James Forrest in the 38th minute that just went wide was as close as Celtic got to a goal.
FIRST HALF CELTIC: Doohan; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Murray, Haney; McGregor, Bernardo, McCardle; Balikwisha, Osmand, Forrest
It was all change after the break. Midfielder Liam Kennedy went on the right behind Luke McCowan with Thomas Hatton catching the eye on the left wing.
There wasn’t much to learn from the second half. Luke McCowan looked industrious out of position on the right wing but again there was little to trouble the Shelbourne keeper. Until the late penalty rush.
Three minutes from the end James Bailey broke free, he checked his run as Adam Montgomery arrived with the referee awarding a penalty. Harry Wood tucked it away.
THE LATE PENALTY RUSH
Harry Wood gives @shelsfc the lead against Celtic from the spot late on! ?
The home fans at Tolka Park enjoyed that ? pic.twitter.com/YMCOtAPapu
— Premier Sports Ireland (@PremSportsIRL) July 7, 2026
In stoppage time a push on Maik Nawrocki at the other end presented Celtic with a penalty. Shin Yamada stepped up, halted in his run then found the net from 12 yards out.
Tomorrow Celtic set off for Faro and a week of intensive training. Next Tuesday they take on Sporting Lisbon with only Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and expected signing Camilo Duran likely to be added to those involved in Dublin tonight.
Harry Wood gives @shelsfc the lead against Celtic from the spot late on! ?
The home fans at Tolka Park enjoyed that ? pic.twitter.com/YMCOtAPapu
— Premier Sports Ireland (@PremSportsIRL) July 7, 2026
? Celtic manager Martin O’Neill discusses the importance of the Irish connection for the club, how he’s hoping his side will benefit from pre-season, and transfer updates
“The young lad Durán, who hopefully will be doing a medical tomorrow and joining us in Portugal” ?? pic.twitter.com/WXlSIznU70
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) July 7, 2026
Liam Kennedy was outstanding
Did the new set-piece boy have the week off?
Sevco fans getting ready to blame Trump for influencing the SFA and Celtic winning the league next season,apparently Celtic have people in high places.