Scottish champions Celtic are already back in pre-season training as they look to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.

Brendan Rodger's side swept all before them in Scotland last season after they won the domestic treble and finished the season unbeaten.

However, they struggled in Europe after they were grouped with Barcelona, Man City Borussia Mochengladbach and were duly eliminated from all European competition before Christmas.

Although it feels like the season has just ended, Scott Sinclair is looking forward to getting back on the field.

"We're obviously back in now trying to qualify for the Champions League and get through to the group stages. The work starts now," he said. 

Picture by: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire/PA Images

Despite the outstanding performances last year, Sinclair is expecting the side to push on. "I think we're much stronger. Throughout the whole season, last season, I thought game-by-game we improved dramatically from the start to the finish.

"We started off very well and we finished off even stronger. And obviously if we can do that now, going into this season - hopefully we can do the same."

Celtic kick-off their pre-season fixtures against BW Linz on the 28th June, followed by games against Rapid Vienna, Slavia Prague and Shamrock Rovers.