Celtic vs Middlesbrough

Celtic came closest to a winner in the 68th minute when substitute Callum Osmand hit both posts from close range. After Luke Ayling failed to cut out a cross on the stretch, Osmand had the goal at his mercy but saw his effort come back off the upright. He managed to head the rebound goalwards from the ground, only for it to cannon off the opposite post before Middlesbrough scrambled clear. It was the last clear-cut chance of the game.

Camilo Duran (Celtic) — The Colombian has made an immediate impression in pre-season, scoring in consecutive games. His movement off the shoulder and willingness to run in behind offered Celtic a focal point they lacked for long periods last term. Player of the match.

David Strelec (Middlesbrough) — Three goals in two pre-season appearances for the summer signing from Slovan Bratislava. His finish was clinical, but his overall play was quiet as Boro struggled to consistently supply him.

Jack Daley (Middlesbrough) — The teenage defender delivered an assured performance, providing the assist for Strelec's goal with a well-judged header, making several clearances from crosses, and growing in confidence on the ball as the half wore on.

Callum McGregor (Celtic) — The captain played 71 minutes, anchoring midfield and dictating tempo before being substituted. His future remains a subject of speculation amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia.

Middlesbrough's control of the game was evident in their periods of sustained possession, particularly in the first half after Strelec's goal and throughout the second period before the raft of substitutions disrupted rhythm. Despite that control, Boro created few clear-cut chances — a familiar problem from last season's Championship campaign. Celtic, by contrast, created the two best openings of the second half: Osmand's double hit on the posts and a Liam Scales header from a corner that forced a save from Brynn. The xG narrative likely reflects a game of few high-quality chances, with both goals arriving from the only real moments of incision in the first half.

For Celtic, Duran's form is a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating pre-season dominated by fan discontent over the club's lack of transfer activity. Large sections of Celtic Park were empty as supporters voiced their displeasure, with the upper tier and West Stand closed. O'Neill, who confirmed his stay after two interim spells last season, faces a race to strengthen his squad before the Scottish Premiership campaign begins on 3 August. Celtic's next friendly is against AC Milan at Celtic Park on 25 July.

Middlesbrough face a more positive outlook despite the familiar frustrations in the final third. Kim Hellberg's side were without five players through illness (Aidan Morris, Sontje Hansen, Finley Munroe, Alex Bangura, George Edmundson) and three through injury (Riley McGree, Tommy Conway, new signing Kyle Joseph), meaning this was far from a full-strength XI. Strelec's continued goalscoring form is a genuine positive. Boro's next and final public-friendly is against Espanyol at the Riverside on 1 August, before their Carabao Cup opener against Wrexham on 7 August.

A useful workout for both sides that confirmed what each already knew. Celtic need bodies through the door — and fast — but Duran looks like a smart acquisition. Middlesbrough have the platform of a solid side but require the final-third quality that has eluded them. Strelec's finishing is a start, but more creativity is needed before the Championship campaign begins.