Celtic kicked off their pre-season preperations with a 1-0 defeat to A-League side Central Coast Mariners, thanks to a late goal from Troy Hearfield.

Despite the defeat, Neil Lennon said that he was pleased with the workout his players received in their first friendly of the summer.

Neil Lennon gave fringe players such as Daryl Murphy and Lukasz Zaluska their chance to gain much needed match time and also called on the services of Celtic new Bhoys Adam Matthews and Kelvin Wilson, playing for the first time in the Hoops.

The Aussie side started the game brightly, and put together some good passes, however, when it came to their final ball, their delivery lacked accuracy.

Celtic eventually took the game between the teeth and it was £10 million-rated midfielder Beram Kayal who dictated play and created the best chance of the first 15 minutes.

A superb pass from the midfielder - still with a bandaged arm - released youngster James Forrest on the left, who sent a good cross into the Mariners box but Murphy could not get a good connection on the ball and the chance went begging.

Forrest was causing all sorts of problems for the man tasked with marking him - Pedj Bois. And Forrest once again led by example as he sped away from several tackles, but he failed to beat Royston Griffiths, the last defender.

The rest of the first half, saw Celtic continue to dictate play, but could not carve out that killer ball to cut open the Mariners' stubborn defence.

Celtic keeper Lukasz Zaluska was a mere spectator for the first half, as new Bhoys Kelvin Wilson and Adam Matthews looked comfortable as they mopped up the Oz attack with relative ease.

At Half Time, as predicted, Lennon made a host of changes bringing on Anthony Stokes, Gary Hooper and Paddy McCourt for Matthews, Murphy and Kayal. And he trio brought the Celtic side to life.

Maloney who had been posted missing in the first half, made a bursting run into the Mariners box, but at the crucial moment he lost his footing and once again Celtic failed to capitalise on their dominance.

In the 60th minute, Celtic were denied once more. Scott Brown went through the middle and slid a pass to Stokes, but the striker was denied by the quick thinking Pasfield who rushed out of the Mariners goal.

Celtic were in total control of the game, but the Aussie side did threaten once or twice. Adrian Pellegrino headed wide, when he should have scored.

Celtic had a number of chances thereafter, but Wilson headed wide of the far post and Forrest hit a powerful shot over the bar.

The game looked destined for a scoreless draw, but as Celtic began to tire - after only one training session - they conceded a late goal against the run of play.

Substitute Joe Ledley failed to properly clear a low cross, hitting it as far as the edge of the area, perfect for Hearfield to pick his spot curling it into the top corner beating Dominic Cervi in the Celtic goal.

Celtic looked for an equaliser in the closing stages of the game, and they came close only to see Gary Hooper's goal bound shot cleared off the line by Sam Gallagher.

There was then strong claims for a penalty as a cross from Stokes into the Mariners box was handed, but no penalty was given. It was the last chance of the game, with Celtic leaving Sydney in disappointment in terms of the final result.

Lennon said after the match: “The players’ condition and the quality, particularly in the second half was remarkable when you consider the week they’ve been through. They’ve been travelling all the way over on Tuesday and Wednesday and then one day’s training, played very, very well in the second half and controlled the game. I thought Mariners scored with their one shot on target but overall I’m delighted with the performance.”

Despite the work out, this game also showed that the side are in need of players in certain positions. The likes of Shaun Maloney, Paddy McCourt and Daryl Murphy cannot be looked at other than squad players, who Celtic can afford to lose. Celtic need a goalkeeper, a strong central defender and at least one quality striker to bolster their chances in Europe and the SPL this season.

Celtic will now move on to Western Australia for a clash with Perth Glory in a week’s time, bolstered by 90 minutes of competitive action.

CELTIC (4-4-2) Zaluska; Matthews (McCourt 45) K. Wilson, Loovens, M. Wilson; Towell, Brown, Kayal, (Stokes 45) Forrest; Maloney (Ledley 72) Murphy (Hooper 45)
Subs not Used: Commons

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-4-2) Pasfield; Bojic (Porter 85) Zwaanswijk, Griffiths, Rose; McGlinchey, Hutchinson(Sainsbury 66) Pellegrino (Hearfield 73) Bozanic (McDonald 72); Ibini-Isei, McBreen (Baird 56)
Subs not Used: Matic

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