Celtic begin campaign

They have a home game against Portstewart at Knockramer Parkwith a 3pm kick off.

This is followed next Tuesday with a repeat of the Radcliffe Cup final when they travel to Lakeview Park to take on Loughall United in the first round of the Irn-Bru League Cup, starting at 7.45pm.

If they win that tie they then face the task of travelling to Premiership side Ballymena United.

Several former youth team players have rejoined the club. They are Barry Seeley, from Celtic No 1 Club, Shane McCabe, Loughall, and Kieran Ryan, Portadown.

Also joining the ranks is Declan McVeigh from Glenavon who has shown up well in the pre-season games and this injection of youth will keep the more experienced players on their toes in the battle for first team places.

After last season’s improved showing the club will be hoping to build on their quest for more honours and promotion to the Championship 1 ranks.

However competition will be fierce in what many experts consider the toughest division of the three leagues.

Unfortunately due to suspension strikers Raymond Fitzpatrick and Aaron Haire miss the opening league game with Fitzpatrick also missing the Loughall tie.

Considering the problems they caused to opposition defences last season both will be missed however this gives other players a chance to stake their claim for a place in the starting line up.