Celtic FC B rounded off their pre-season preparations on Saturday afternoon, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Scottish League One side Alloa Athletic.

Although it was a frustrating afternoon for the young Hoops, it was another important 90 minutes of action, getting more minutes into the legs ahead of the beginning of the competitive campaign.

The game was another good test for the Bhoys, going up against Brian Rice’s side who proved to be strong opposition for the young side.

Reflecting on the game, B Team coach Stephen McManus admitted there is still work to be done as the Celts aim to continue their development as the season is set to kick off.

He said: "There are lots of things we need to improve on, fitness-wise, tactical elements and the understanding of what it takes to be a footballer, never mind a Celtic player, but we will get there with them. Like I say, there is lots of work to do.

'It was a good game to take, playing against strong opposition. These are players that are playing at a decent level. So it was a good exercise, but loads for us to work on.'

And as the Bhoys gear up for another busy campaign of action, McManus and his staff were delighted to see a number of youngsters spending time away with the first team.

Now, they will look to work to continue improving and take lessons forward as each week and match passes.

“Pre-season is pre-season,” he said. “You want to try and put your ideas across about how we are looking to play going into this campaign.

“We have been working on a couple of non-negotiables. Of course, at times, it has been a little bit inconsistent.

'We’ve obviously had boys up with the first team too, which is the most important thing, and that is brilliant. Our aim is to get more up'

“But they need to them realise what it takes. It’s not going to just happen. Part of working at this level in football is that you're going to have ups and downs with it.

“Pre-season's done now, and the serious stuff will come in next week, and there is lots we can learn and take forward.”

The young Celts kick-off the 2023/24 Lowland League campaign with a trip to take on Cumbernauld Colts this coming weekend.

Although there is still work to be done, McManus talked up the importance of having more competitive fixtures to look forward this coming year, and it will allow the players a platform to improve.

He said: “The boys need competitive football, and they need an understanding of what it is like to play men’s football. That is the benefit the Lowland League gives you.

"Like I mentioned, there is certainly lots we can work on and we will do that. Whether it’s the staff or the players, and we will get them where we want to get them.”

Stephen McManus: We will work to continue improving as the season goes on