Celtic head off to Australia next month and chief executive Peter Lawwell has warned the players they are not off on a jolly. The trip is a key part of the pre-season preparations and will include games against Central Coast Mariners, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory ahead of the first game of the SPL season on 23 July. Lawwell was keen to stress how important the tour is as Neil Lennon attempt to have the side ready for the new assault on the league titleand other prizes.
He said: "This is the main part of our preparation for the season and we won't be taking it easy. Our top 25 fit and available players will make the trip. There will be no other preparation for us. We arrive back in Glasgow on the 15th (July) after playing in Melbourne. The season kicks off a week later, so this tour is very important for us."