CELTIC'S preparations for the new season are underway after the Scottish champions arrived at their Austrian training base this week. 

The Hoops kick off the pre-season tour with a friendly against BW Linz at 5.30pm UK time this afternoon. 

Brendan Rodgers' side then take on Rapid Vienna at the Amstetten Stadium on Saturday 1 July before completing their tour with a trip into the Czech Republic to meet Slavia Prague on Tuesday 4 July. 

The Northern Irishman put his players through their paces on Tuesday, with new signing Jonny Hayes involved as well as the manager's son Anton who has joined the squad for their trip.

Celtic also have a friendly lined up against Shamrock Rovers in Dublin on 8 July and announced on Wednesday that they will face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on 29 July.