STARS & HOOPS

American trip can get Celts off to a flier for the new season says Thommo

- FRASER WILSON

ALAN THOMPSON went Stateside with Celtic so often, he could have been forgiven for starting every season at the Hoops with a southern drawl. 

But when it came to putting the accent on a flying start to the season in Scotland, the former midfielder reckons there was nothing better.

The Hoops will head back across the pond this summer as Brendan Rodgers prepares his players for the campaign with glamour friendlies versus Manchester City and Chelsea.

Thompson was part of Martin O’Neill’s side 20 years ago who, fresh from winning the league and cup Double, took on the cream of the Premier League in three games across just five days in Seattle, Connecticut and Philadelphia.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United were the opponents in the blazing north American heat.

O’Neill missed the opening two matches as he stayed in the UK to be with his wife, who was ill.

Nine goals were shipped to a Blues side inspired by Frank Lampard and an Anfield team driven on by Steven Gerrard before Chris Sutton and Craig Beattie restored some pride with the goals in a 2-1 win over United.

But Thompson insists the run-outs had Celtic in tip-top condition to start the SPL campaign on fire.

They did just that, winning their opening five games.

And Thompson said: “We went that many bloody times to America it’s hard to remember which trip was which! We were there in winter and summer, I think I was there four times in total.

“But it’s a great break. Definitely not a jolly but a great chance to prepare. The weather is great.

“The training facilities are great and you get looked after.