Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reported positive news on defenders Anthony Ralston and Cameron Carter-Vickers ahead of the champions’ Premiership opener against Ross County on Saturday.

Carter-Vickers played the first 45 minutes against Athletic Bilbao in midweek in his first taste of action since undergoing knee surgery around three months ago, before Ralston played the second half after missing much of pre-season.

Rodgers said: “Both those players came through really well during the week, which is great news for us.

“They are back with the squad. They probably aren’t as up to speed as some of the other boys but they still look in very good condition, so we will take a look at them on Friday.”

Rodgers, who has Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi missing from his defence, added: “Apart from that it’s just the guys who have been out for a period of time but hopefully over the course of the next three or four weeks, some more will return.”