Daizen Maeda has been described as 'world-class' by the manager of the Japanese club where he did additional pre-season training this week.
The Hoops star chose to put in the extra hours in his homeland by joining in training with his former club - Mito HollyHock - who are the leaders of the Japanese second division.
Maeda netted 34 goals in all competitions last season for club and country and was handed multiple Player of the Year awards.
And, according to Mito boss Naoki Mori, he looks ready to hit the ground running again in the new campaign.
Mori said: "Daizen Maeda is clearly a world-class athlete. I think he will set new standards this season, even for him.
"He took part in our training this week because he wanted to be ready for the return to Celtic and used it as part of his conditioning.
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"So as long as we didn't injure him, it was good!
"He was a great motivator for my players. They only need to look at him and see what he has done since he left our club.
"He was talking to them for the two days he was at our club about lots of things.
"Obviously, he has improved in every aspect since he was last at our club and he has taken his game to an entirely new level.
"I am sure he will have another great season and play at the World Cup at the end of it."
