Neil Lennon says his Celtic side will not be at their best for another couple of weeks.
The Hoops are preparing to take on Northern Irish side Cliftonville in the first leg of the second round of Champions League qualifiers but Lennon feels his Scottish champions may be below their top level at this early stage of the preseason.
"It's so early, it's a harsh reality of where we are," he said.
"We won the cup final at the end of May and we are back in on the 24th of June.
"It's been staggered and a bit disjointed because we have had a lot of injuries as well.
"(Adam) Matthews, (Joe) Ledley, (Filip) Twardzik and (Gary) Hooper have hardly featured and obviously we have lost Victor (Wanyama).
"They are the ups and downs you have to cope with during pre-season but I don't think you'll see us anywhere near our best for another two weeks or so."
