Hoops won't rush Jozo Simunovic back

The first competitive game of Brendan Rodgers’ regime will begin in either Estonia or Gibraltar against Flora Tallinn of Lincoln Red Imps as the Parkhead side seek to make it into the group stages of the tournament for the first time in three years.

But assistant Kennedy has maintained that Croatian under-21 internationalist Simunovic won’t be pushed back onto the pitch before he is ready. The defender hasn’t played since the end of January after a problematic knee injury which ultimately required surgery.

Read more: John Kennedy: I'm a lucky bhoy to get third crack at Champions League

Celtic paid just over £5m last year for Simunovic but his maiden campaign was marked by various different injury issues. Dedryck Boyata is also still out with a hamstring injury and could be touch and go for the opening qualifier which will take place on either the 12th or 13 July.

“Both never trained today,” said Kennedy. “Jozo has a bit of work to do and Dedryck was scanned. Hopefully he’s not too bad.

“We’ll monitor them over a few weeks.

“It’s hard to say if they will play in the qualifiers. Jozo might take a bit longer than Dedryck but we want everyone back fit as soon as possible.

“We want to make sure he’s right and if we have to give him a few more weeks then we’ll do it. We don’t want to set him back for longer again as he’s had a tough enough time of it.

“We have a big squad to deal with it so it’s not a problem.”

Meanwhile, Kennedy has also revealed that contract negotiations are ongoing with Charlie Mulgrew.

The versatile Scotland internationalist was not at Lennoxtown yesterday for the beginning of pre-season training but talks are continuing about his immediate future.

“His representatives and the club are in negotiations and I think that’s where we’re at,” he said.

“Charlie wasn’t here today as he’s not under contract.”

And Kennedy has also revealed that preparations for the European campaign have already kicked off at Lennoxtown.

“At the early stage you don’t know a lot about the opposition, but the planning has started and we will get the teams covered and do our homework,” he said.

“We’ll be prepared and the important thing is to get the players fit and strong and with plenty game time going into the qualifiers.

“We take any opponent seriously because if you don’t you could end up in a spot of bother.

“We approach every opponent the same way and that’s why pre-season is so important.”

“Whatever you are drawn against you have to put up a performance to win you the game.”