ROME wasn’t built in a day. And football teams certainly aren’t moulded in their manager’s image in the space of a few weeks. But Ange Postecoglou could do with a huge improvement from Celtic before Tuesday after a deserved defeat to Preston North End.

Yes, it was a friendly, and yes, there were scores of changes throughout. Players are still finding form and fitness, and there were a raft of youngsters in the side. But some of those things will still be true come the visit of FC Midtjylland on Champions League qualifying business in just two days’ time, and it is hugely doubtful on this evidence that there is currently enough about this Celtic team to make a decent fist of reaching the third stage, never mind the group stages proper.

To the positives though. It was a day of returns, with 2000 fans back inside the stadium to welcome back former player Scott Sinclair, with the winger enjoying a rapturous reception from Celtic supporters behind the goal as he warmed up prior to the game.

There was no return to the fold for James Forrest though, who was still missing from the squad despite resuming training following a period of isolation.

The Celtic team still retained a youthful look given the lengthy injury list, with Osaze Urhoghide, Adam Montgomery and Owen Moffat all starting. There was a glimmer of hope ahead of Tuesday night though with the presence of Odsonne Edouard and Tom Rogic among the substitutes. As was new signing Liel Abada.

On the opposite side, there was also a return to Scotland for former Partick Thistle centre-half Liam Lindsay.

Vasilis Barkas endured a torrid time of it last season following his move from AEK Athens, but the Greek stopper pulled off a really smart stop early on to repel a rasping half-volley from Brad Potts.

David Turnbull looked sharp, and a mazy run ended with him firing just wide, before Sinclair got in behind and looked to be fouled from behind by Stephen Welsh, but referee Kevin Clancy played on and Barkas smothered.

The supporters inside the ground would have been looking for hints of Postecoglou’s influence on the side at this early stage of his tenure, and there were some pointers towards what he is trying to do.

Full-backs Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor were playing narrow, Taylor in particular coming inside and getting on the ball in front of the centre-backs. Celtic were continually looking to play through the thirds, and when they got the ball into the feet of Turnbull, they looked dangerous. The attacker got another powerful shot away from the edge of the area on his right side this time, with goalkeeper Declan Rudd scrambling clear with his feet.

There were some signs of old failings too though, and Postecoglou became animated at moments during the first half when the speed of Celtic’s play dropped and passes weren’t being played quickly enough for the coach’s liking.

Scott Bain was brought on at the interval after an impressive first 45 minutes from Barkas, while Dane Murray replaced Urhoghide and Ewan Henderson came on for Moffat.

But Postecoglou’s frustrations continued when Welsh floated a long ball up for Ajeti that he was never going to win, the coach urging the youngster to show more patience. There are clearly still some teething issues as the players get accustomed to their new coach’s methods.

Liam Shaw was next to earn a weary shake of the head from his manager, giving the ball away cheaply after Celtic had played it out from Bain.

Both managers made sweeping changes on the hour, and most notable for Celtic was the debut of Abada. Edouard and Rogic also entered the fray along with Leo Hjelde, while Boli Bolingoli’s reappearance in the Hoops was greeted by boos from a section of the home fans.

Moments later though, Preston took the lead, and it was some more slack play at the heart of the Celtic backline that allowed Sean Maguire in on goal. Bain came out to spread himself, but succeeded only in fouling the striker, and Ben Whiteman stroked the spot kick home.

Celtic had lost their shape, but when they settled and got the ball forward, they did look dangerous. Some nice lay-offs from Edouard allowed them to twice cut open the visitors in quick succession, with Abada’s fierce shot beaten away by Rudd before Rogic curled just wide.

The Israeli had another couple of decent contributions which were warmly appreciated by the crowd, beating his man and getting in a couple of crosses, while Rudd had to fly through the air once more to deny Ewan Henderson a late equaliser from the edge of the box.

In the grand scheme of things, the result was unimportant. Postecoglou has plenty enough to concern him though before the real thing kicks off on Tuesday night.