Toure’s joy at Rodgers reunion

Kolo Toure is relishing the chance of a new experience at Celtic, after penning a one-year deal.

The 35-year-old centreback teams up again with his former boss at Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers.

He told Celtic TV: “I feel really excited because it’s going to be a new challenge for me. I’ve come to one of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s a privilege for me to be here.

“I know a few friends who play football here and I know what the club has been achieving, winning a lot of trophies and playing Champions League a lot so that’s something I’m looking at.

“I played with Brendan when he was at Liverpool and when we spoke about the chance for me to come here I was really happy because we know each other for a long time now. We’ve worked together and he’s a top manager. For me it’s a privilege to come and work with him again.”

The Ivorian, who also played for Manchester City and Arsenal, added: “Ihavebeenplayingfortop clubs and I’m used to the challenge and I’m here to give everything I’ve got to win my place. You can only winyourplaceonthepitch and that’s through hard work, dedication and determination and I’m ready for that.”

Rodgers said: “With a lot of young players in our squad, he can really help themandhecanbeofgreat assistance for the likes of Scott Brown, who is a wonderful leader. Kolo can do very well for us.”

Kevin Mirallas and two-goal Ross Barkley steered Everton to a 3-0 friendly win at Barnsley, while Andy Carroll, Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher netted as West Ham outgunned Karlsruher 3-0.

Mame Biram Diouf’s goal earned a 1-1 draw for Stoke at Preston, Hull beat Scunthorpe 2-0 with efforts from Shaun Maloney and Abel Hernandez and Andre Gray notched twice as Burnley beat Bradford City 4-1. Ben Mee and Michael Kightly also struck for the Premier new boys.