CELTIC'S fringe players have been spurred on by the fresh start Brendan Rodgers has given them, says Callum McGregor. 

The 23-year-old Hoops midfielder made 27 league appearances last season, although 12 of them came as a substitute.

He travelled with the squad for their pre-season tour of Slovenia yesterday and has been encouraged by the chance of cementing a first-team place under the new manager.

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The Bhoys will play four friendly games in ten days across Slovenia and Austria, before returning to Glasgow for their Champions League second round qualifier in mid-July.Glasgow Times: Celtic's Callum McGregor is ready to show the new manager what he can do

"Team spirit is huge in the modern game; to have everybody fighting for each other, win for each other and work hard so that’s what we’re aiming to do for the next two weeks – get the team bonded and get as many training sessions and games in as we can," McGregor told Celtic View.

“That way we’ll start to understand what everyone’s about and what we want from each other.

“Things are fresh, it’s a new season and it’s fresh in everyone’s mind that we’re striving to go on and do better this year. You always see that when a new manager comes in – it is a fresh start for everybody and I don’t think it’s any different this time.

“The manager has said it and it gives the boys who maybe haven’t played as much a boost and a fresh impetus to go and do well and try to get in the team. There is competition for places but that drives the standard of everything up, so it’s great for everybody.”