Celtic undertook their Pre-Season training for the forthcoming 1986 - 87 season in Ireland arranging a number of Friendlies against local opposition.

27th July, 1986

Longford Town 1-1 Celtic
Venue: Rugby Ground, Longford
KO: 19:00

Celtic:
Bonner, W McStay, Whyte, Aitken, McGugan, MacLeod, McClair (McInally), P McStay, Johnston, Burns, Archdeacon (McGuire)
NU Subs: Shepherd, O'Leary
Scorer: Archdeacon.

A large turnout for this game with announcements having to be made to stop the crowd encroaching the field. Bonner saved a penalty in the first half. The goal came from a Paul McStay shot which was pushed onto the crossbar by the Longford Town 'keeper and Archdeacon was there to nod home the rebound. Longford scored a decent goal at the end.


29th July, 1986

Galway Utd 0-2 Celtic
Venue: Terrylands Park, Galway
KO: 19:00

This game was also a Testimonial for Denis Bonner and is covered separately here


31st July, 1986

Cobh Ramblers 1-4 Celtic
Venue: St. Colman's Park, Cobh
KO: 19:15

Celtic:
Bonner, W McStay, Whyte (Grant), Aitken, McGugan (O'Leary), MacLeod, McClair, P McStay, McInally, Burns, Archdeacon (McGuire)
Scorers: McClair, McInally, MacLeod, McClair.

On very pleasant evening in County Cork the game was played in an excellent atmosphere and was well-supported. The first goal was the pick of the bunch - a long sweeping, passing move involving Paul and Willy McStay and Tommy Burns passing out to McInally to cross for McClair to head home. The other three goals all followed in the first half with Cobh getting a reply in the second half. Derek Whyte took a knock in this game and was subbed by Peter Grant, Whyte being ruled out for the home Friendly against Aston Villa