HOOPS HUNGRY FOR MORE

MORE than five weeks have passed since Celtic's Treble bid was scuppered.

- BY RYAN MCDONALD

And while John Kennedy admits the gut-wrenching Scottish Cup Final defeat still stings, the Hoops No.2 insists the champions will use that pain as fuel for this campaign.

Celtic's players returned for pre-season training on Friday as preparations began for a mammoth summer, with trips to Ireland, Portugal and Italy plus seven friendlies crammed into the schedule.

Then comes the small matter of a £40million winner-takes-all Champions League play-off at the end of August as Celts look to dine at Europe's top table for a fourth year on the spin.

Kennedy - a crucial part of the Parkhead team for more than a decade - knows there's no time for a Hampden hangover as the title defence and Euro quest loom large.

He said: "It's nice to see everyone's face again and to get back after the break.

"It's been a fair break we've had but it's been good spell away.

"We've had time to reset, relax and get refreshed again.

"The boys have come back in pretty good shape and they're excited for what's ahead. The guys were terrific last year but it can take the shine off it a little bit with the way it finished.

"Once the dust settles and you reflect on how the season went, the guys were superb - they put everything into it.

"OK, we just came up short in the Final but the way we performed in the league, the League Cup earlier in the season and the Champions League - we can look back on that and take a lot of positives.

"We can be positive going into this season again. It's good to reflect on that.