Celtic to face West Ham and Preston in friendlies after pre-season camp in Wales
David Moyes will bring his Europa League-bound West Ham United side to Celtic Park this summer as part of both teams’ preparations for season 2021-22.
The Hammers headline Celtic’s plans – despite a manager still not being confirmed in place at Parkhead. Eddie Howe is still regarded as the front-runner for the post to replace Neil Lennon and is widely expected to head the Celtic delegation to Wales for a nine-day camp that will incorporate three warm-up matches.
All will be behind closed doors and only two opponents are known so far – Charlton Athletic and Bristol City.
The glamour tie with Moyes’ side comes after the Champions League qualifier on July 20 or 21 which follows Celtic’s return to Scotland to face Preston North End on July 17. The Lancashire club are now led by Scot Frankie Mcavoy following Alex Neil’s departure earlier this year.
It is hoped supporters will be in attendance and the club added: “We are encouraged by the recent announcement of supporters being allowed entry at sporting events across Glasgow this summer, including at Hampden and on Glasgow Green.
“Celtic has been at the forefront of the effort to get supporters back with us and now as we move back to normality, we are preparing to welcome you home to Celtic Park.”
The SPFL Premiership campaign is scheduled to kick off on the weekend of July 31 and August 1.
Moyes, meanwhile, wants West Ham fans to give him some "breathing space" to build on their success this season.
The Scot is understood to be on the brink of signing a new three-year contract at the London Stadium.
The 58-year-old guided the Hammers into the Europa League after breaking the club's record Premier League points tally and finishing sixth.
Moyes told Talksport: "If I was a West Ham supporter and David Moyes had come in and saved us from relegation once, came in and saved us from relegation twice, and then in the first full season qualified for Europe, I'd be hoping you would give him a bit of breathing space.”