New Zealand striker Chris Killen has continued his comeback from injury with a third game for Scottish champions Celtic on their pre-season tour of Europe and the United States.
In a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Fire on Sunday, Killen replaced Netherlands striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink after75 minutes and looked impressive as Celtic chased a winning goal.
The appearance was Killen's third -- all as a substitute -- for the Glasgow giants after making his Celtic debut against BSC Young Boys in Switzerland on July 13 and then featuring against Peterborough United a week later.
Despite a healthy goal scoring record in Scotland, the ex-Manchester City, Oldham and Hibernian striker faces tough competition to break into the Celtic starting frontline.
As well as the lengthily-named Dutchman, there is also Kenny Miller and Meciej Zurawski -- internationals for Scotland and Poland respectively -- plus Australian Scott MacDonald, and Scottish young player of the year Derek Riordan to contend with.
Vannegoor of Hesselink, whose name must terrorise Scottish Premier League shirt-makers, as well as defenders, was Celtic's top scorer last season with 13 league goals, the same tally that Killen scored for Hibs in an injury-curtailed season.
Killen said he was unfazed by the abundance of quality competition.
"It is going to be a big test but I knew that before I came," he said.
"I didn't look on it from being a regular starter at Hibs to one of seven competing for a place here. As soon as I saw Celtic were interested, my mind was made up straight away.
"I have come in to a big pool of players and I understand at times I am not going to be playing but I will do my utmost to win a shirt.
"Whether you are playing or not, this level of competition can only make you a better player."
Celtic have two more games left in their pre-season schedule, a visit to St James's Park on July 26 to take on English Premiership side Newcastle before finishing up at home against Italy's Parma on July 29.
Cetic's defence of their Scottish Premier League crown begins at Celtic Park on August 5 against Kilmarnock.
