O'Neill expects World Cup players to be back for Celtic opener

Sebastian Tounekti (right) made his first appearance of pre-season against AC Milan [Getty Images] Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expects the full contingent of his World Cup players to be in training next week before the new Scottish Premiership season kicks-off. South Korea winger Yang Hyun-jun, Sweden midfielder Benjamin Nygren, Canada right-back Alistair Johnston and United States defender Auston Trusty have not featured in any of the club's pre-season games. Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney and Tunisia winger Sebastian Tounekti both started in Saturday's 2-2 friendly draw with AC Milan. "Trusty comes back on Monday," said O'Neill. "He's had some family things. I've given him a little bit of extra time, which I think he's deserved. "Nygren's here. He didn't play, he's got a bit of an Achilles problem. I think he's OK. I don't think it's massive. "Kieran played for 60 minutes. I was hoping that Alistair might have played maybe 20 minutes, he was ready for it but I have to be guided by our sports science guys. "Yang's back. He's done some training. A little bit of a hiccup there a couple of days ago, but he'll be fine. "I'm probably less concerned about those boys because they have played matches in the World Cup. You take a little bit of a break and the last thing you want to do is be rushing them back. By Monday, I think everybody will be back." While Celtic are gearing up for the defence of their title, which starts at home to Dundee on 3 August, O'Neill has been impressed by some of the club's younger players. Thomas Hatton and Sean McArdle caught the eye as substitutes in wide positions against Milan. "I just congratulated Tam for his spell on the field," O'Neill said. "He's prepared to take people on, which is great. I think that's like a dying art. So he'll get all the encouragement in the world. He's a young lad making his way in the game. Really encouraging. "Obviously there's a battle on to try to get into the side like anything else, but I was really impressed with him. As I've been impressed with his attitude during the whole pre-season."