There was a wobble and an air of uncertainty about Celtic heading into the new season.

Indeed, those concerns were justified when the Hoops were dumped out of Europe’s premier competition at the first time of asking and then beaten in their first league match.

However, Ange Postecoglou hadn’t been backed and there was never going to be an overnight fix to the Bhoys’ lengthy list of problems.

That being said, in Kyogo Furuhashi, Postecoglou has discovered a player capable of turning the tide and injecting positivity into supporters who have waited so long to return to Parkhead.

The Japan international provided paying fans with a treat on Sunday afternoon as a swashbuckling hat-trick sent Celtic on their way to a 6-0 win over Dundee.

This was a perfect performance; one where Ryan Christie returned to his best and Liel Abada ran rampant down the right-hand side.

It was also a superb display in central areas from the likes of David Turnbull and a certain Callum McGregor.

There was slight doubt about the central midfielder’s future in Scotland but after being handed the captaincy following the departure of Scott Brown, he has taken on the extra responsibility fantastically well.

He scored a belter against Midtjylland in the Champions League and kept things ticking over marvellously in a quarter-back position against Dundee on Sunday.

McGregor was described as “outstanding” by Postecoglou for his performances for Scotland at the European Championships and this was a classy showing once more.

The 28-year-old was a pillar of solidity in the middle of the park, taking more touches of the ball (121) than any other player on the pitch.

His 104 passes at a completion rate of 95% were also the second-best number on the pitch behind pass master Carl Starfelt.

Furthermore, the skipper lost possession on just seven occasions and completed two key passes for his troubles. This was a brilliantly composed performance, laying the foundations for Celtic’s attack to run riot at Paradise.

McGregor also won 60% of his ground duels, showing a willingness to get stuck in whenever Dundee looked like coming forward.

It is only a few months into the new season but the Scot has proven exactly why he deserved to be given the armband.

He is relishing life under Postecoglou so far.

AND in other news, Forget Furuhashi: £12k-p/w Celtic gem who made 8 key passes was "astounding" today...