With the new footballing season set to kick off this weekend, fans and businesses in Glasgow's East End have shared their thoughts on Celtic being back for their first home game.

The Parkhead side host Ross County in the league opener at 12.45pm on Saturday and The Glasgow Times spoke to some fans outside Celtic Park about the upcoming season and how important football is to them.

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Glasgow Times: Anthony Higgins, 51, from HamiltonAnthony Higgins, 51, from Hamilton (Image: Newsquest)

Anthony Higgins, 51 explained how the start of the season stopped his son having a go-karting party as he forgot about the upcoming game.  

He said: "It is my son's birthday and I was just in getting him the new third kit.

"He was supposed to be going go-karting with his pals, something that he arranged weeks ago.

"But he forgot footballing season was starting. He cancelled that and will now be here on Saturday instead."

Anthony added: "Football is a way of life for my family as we come every week or every second week to the games. We revolve our full weekend around going to watch the club and that is what it is all about."

Glasgow Times: Stephen McBride and his sons Finlay and Ruaridh outside Celtic ParkStephen McBride and his sons Finlay and Ruaridh outside Celtic Park (Image: Newsquest)

Stephen McBride, 44, from Aberdeen, said: "It has been a long summer without football and to have Celtic back is huge.

"For me growing up, it has always been about the football on a Saturday. It is a great bonding experience for us to watch the football together.

"Whenever we are in Glasgow we always try to come (to the games) as last season we made it to a few Scottish Cup games

"But being back in the Champions League is important and we will be watching a lot of Celtic in Europe this season."

Glasgow Times: James Gregory, 26, IrelandJames Gregory, 26, Ireland (Image: Newsquest)

James Greggory, 26, was visiting Celtic Park from Wicklow in Ireland.

He said: "Football is important for me as it always gives me something to be excited for.

"You finish your weekend, it's Monday, and you are already excited for the next game.

"And it also has a positive impact on your mental health as you meet up with your friends and grab a bite to eat with them."

Glasgow Times: Leo (left) and Paul Morgan from Leeds outside Celtic ParkLeo (left) and Paul Morgan from Leeds outside Celtic Park (Image: Newsquest)

Football fan Leo Morgan, 14, from Leeds, was taking in Celtic Park for the first time with his dad. He said: "I love playing and watching it, it is the best sport.

"Football is the number one thing in my life and the footballing season is so important. 

And Leo's dad, Paul, added: "It is like a religion because of the passion and energy that everyone puts into football."

Glasgow Times: The Roll Shop on Springfield Road just yards away from Celtic ParkThe Roll Shop on Springfield Road just yards away from Celtic Park (Image: Newsquest)

It is not only fans who are looking forward to the season start of the season. The Roll Shop which sits on Springfield Road is looking forward to Saturday.

The revenue the shop gains during the football season helps the business through the summer months when it is quieter.

A spokesperson for the business said: "We notice a huge difference between when the footballing season is on and when it is not.

"When the season is on we are really busy from when we open to when we are shut.

"This week because of the early kick-off time staff are in from 6am to prepare for the fans who travel over from Ireland on the ferry.

"These fans usually come to the shop and the queue is right out the door.

"The last early kick-off we had the fans were waiting outside the shop at 6:15am."