CELTIC’S pre-season preparations continued in earnest this morning as Brendan Rodgers' side ran out 2-1 winners against BW Linz in the first of two Tuesday friendlies.

The closed-door encounter with the Austrian second-tier outfit kicked off at 10.30am UK time, ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Sparta Prague.

Goals from Michael Johnston and Scott Sinclair were enough to give the Hoops the win despite a late consolation from the hosts.

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Leigh Griffiths led the line for the Celts with Johnston, Ryan Christie and Scott Sinclair behind him.

The midfield duo of Eboue Kouassi and Scott Allan sat in front of a back four of Anthony Ralston, Marvin Compper, Stephen Welsh and Calvin Miller, with Scott Bain lining up in goal.

Young winger Johnston was the first to threaten with a low shot that tested the goalkeeper after 10 minutes, with Scott Bain then forced into action to make a quick reflex stop minutes later.

A lively start from Johnston was soon rewarded as he scored a superb individual opening goal, carrying the ball into the box from 25 yards out before beating the keeper to give the Bhoys a 1-0 lead at half time.

Rodgers’ side doubled their lead on 65 minutes when Griffiths was sent through on goal and squared the ball to Sinclair, who took a touch before applying the finish.

Sinclair was celebrating again shortly afterwards, but was denied a brace by the offside flag.

Linz pulled one back with 10 minutes remaining through a Froschel header and another good save from Bain prevented the Austrians from drawing level as they applied pressure late on.

CELTIC (4-2-3-1) Bain; Ralston, Welsh, Compper, Miller; Kouassi, Allan; Johnston, Christie, Sinclair; Griffiths.

Not Used: Doohan, Hendry, Henderson McInroy