THEY are the team behind the team.

Without them the stars who get the glory know they would struggle to shine.

Manager Neil Lennon joins his players in acknowledging the significant contribution made to the daily running and any success enjoyed by the Hoops.

From assistant boss Johan Mjallby (pictured), coaches Gary Parker and Danny McGrain, goalkeeper coach Stevie Woods, through the medical and physio staff, to the sports scientists, and the myriad of other key personnel who work tirelessly - and mostly unnoticed - in the background to ensure Celtic are the top side in the land.

From their Lennoxtown base, the days, weeks, months and even seasons are planned meticulously, but with flexibility to respond to any unforeseen eventuality.

It has been as much a revolution during Lennon's four years in charge as the turn around on the pitch, and the manager now believes he has the best possible back-up.

You only need to listen to England keeper and Scottish league shut-out record holder Fraser Forster to understand how what the coaching staff do on a daily basis translates to what the supporters see on match days.

Woods played a big part in coercing Forster to sign for Celtic after an initial loan spell. The former Motherwell man's influence continues to this day, acting as a mentor as well as a coach.

It was Woods who discovered Forster is actually left-footed, and his kicking - once a flaw in his game - has greatly improved.

The big man - who is determined to beat the record for goals conceded in a season, which currently stands at 18 - said: "Huge praise is due to Stevie Woods. At the start of a season, we sit down and discuss what our aims are.

"I have to be honest, though, and admit setting a new shut-out record in the league wasn't even mentioned last year."

Head of Sports Science Billy Styles is another key man in Forster's exhaustive training regime, and the keeper acknowledges: "The gaffer, Stevie Woods, Billy Styles, have all really brought my game on."

Woods is delighted to be of such assistance, saying: "My job is to make sure Fraser continues to improve for Celtic.

"He is a pleasure to work with."

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