Friday 8 July 2016 23:33, UK
Injured Celtic winger Gary Mackay-Steven admits he has been reassured following talks with new boss Brendan Rodgers, but knows he faces a fight for his place on return to full fitness.
The 25-year-old is missing out on the team's pre-season training camp in Slovenia, but spoke to Rodgers before their departure.
And the winger is fully focused on recovering from an ankle operation before thinking about working his way into the team.
"I had a chat with him before they left and it was really positive," said the former Dundee United player. "He said 'focus on your recovery and I look forward to having you back'.
"I'm just starting to run. I'm right on track and I've had no setbacks, it was going to be three months and that's eight weeks now."
The Parkhead squad boasts big numbers in attacking midfield, including Ryan Christie, Scott Allan, James Forrest, Kris Commons, Stefan Johansen, Stuart Armstrong, Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor, Patrick Roberts and Liam Henderson.
But Mackay-Steven expects competition for a starting place as they bid for a sixth success Premiership title and a crack at the group stages of the Champions League.
"Every transfer window we are linked to a lot of players," he said. "We have a lot of players and every single player is going to be of a high calibre.
"So you need to be on your toes every day. That's the mindset regardless at Celtic."
Mackay-Steven was promoting the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow. The opening ceremony will take place at George Square in the city centre at 12.30pm on Sunday, followed by Scotland's opening games against Hong Kong and Norway. Entry is free, no tickets are required.
