Celtic fans have been keenly awaiting Christopher Jullien’s first appearance in a Hoops shirt since his £7m arrival from Toulouse.
The 26-year-old did not take any part in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier against FK Sarajevo due to fitness issues, but he was given his first start against Rennes in a friendly yesterday afternoon.
With the match ending in a 0-0 draw, there wasn’t too much to write home about in terms of action, but Jullien did look calm and collected in the backline.
Supporters on Twitter gave the defender some good marks for his first game:
Good performance from big Jullien, looks assured.
— Kevin (@celtickev) 13 July 2019
Things to note from @CelticFC v Rennes.
• Morgan has a future at Celtic and if he wants to could run Sinclair close.
• Luca Connell is a player.
• Jullien miles off match sharpness but looks assured overall.
— Cal (@CMcCeltic) 13 July 2019
I thought Jullien looked a lot sharper than Connell. Both played well regardless
— Kieran (@_Kieran67) 13 July 2019
Aye not too shoddy. Big Jullien looks composed and assured!! Where you sat?
— Chris Taylor (@ChrisTaylor0183) 13 July 2019
You seemed to take it all in your stride, good luck for the season ?
— Stuart (@tiberline) 13 July 2019
Cruise control bro HH ?
— TooHot (@TooTrot) 13 July 2019
Looked good, welcome to Paradise.
— Stuarty (@Ayrhead11) 14 July 2019
Looked like Virgil @VirgilvDijk
— Jay Mac (@jayjmac7) 14 July 2019
Cigar n slippers today big man
— Frankie (@frankiemcfc) 13 July 2019
The question now will be whether manager Neil Lennon will look to give him his competitive debut against Sarajevo on Wednesday night.
Jullien looks short of match sharpness, but with with a two-goal advantage from the first leg, and three away goals, the Celtic boss may opt to give the Frenchman another runout.