By AIDAN CONNOR
In the third edition of our regular series, Aidan Connor analyses Celtic’s performances and results for the month of October. The six matches included four matches in the Scottish Premiership and two home matches in the Europa League campaign.
Game One – Celtic 0-2 Braga – Europa League
Celtic’s night against Braga was marked by missed opportunities, defensive fragility, and fleeting flashes of individual brilliance. Kasper Schmeichel’s early error set the tone: a dipping 33-yard strike from Ricardo Horta should have been routine for a custodian with his experience, but he flapped, allowing the ball to slip past him as Braga celebrated an opener that was equal parts gift and genius. The defence in front of him provided little reassurance, but the midfield, which was frequently relied on to provide cover and control, failed to make an impact. Callum McGregor, who is typically the anchor in Europe, was unable to protect the backline or dictate tempo and Braga moved through the centre with ease, leaving Celtic’s structure vulnerable.
Celtic were hesitant, cautious, and predictable. Maeda ran tirelessly, as usual, but his effort alone was insufficient to generate momentum, whereas Tounekti was the only forward willing to take on defenders, and carry the ball forward with purpose. At halftime, a tactical switch to a 3-4-3 provided some hope. Saracchi replaced Donovan as Celtic attempted to regain control by reshaping their formation. This adjustment allowed us to press Braga more effectively, create wider angles, and regain a sense of dominance at times, but it was temporary respite, not permanent solution. Iheanacho appeared to have equalised early in the second half, latching onto a slack Braga defensive pass and finishing with precision. The moment was erased by VAR, which determined that the ball had struck his hand despite replays indicating that it had hit his face. The decision dominated every post-game discussion. Tounekti called it “crazy”, Iheanacho “an awful decision”, and even former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart dismissed it as “ridiculous”.
However, while the VAR call drew attention, it ultimately highlighted rather than caused the problem. The second half offered glimpses of what could have been. Tounekti continued to threaten, finding pockets of space and trying to carry the team forward, while Saracchi injected energy and width on the left. Iheanacho remained a constant outlet for transition, though his efforts were often isolated. But structural issues persisted – McGregor struggled to influence proceedings from deep, leaving the back three exposed at times despite the formation change and defensive lapses, like Dane Murray’s ricocheted clearance, handed Braga their second. Celtic’s inability to control the midfield and generate sustained pressure meant that even moments of promise never fully translated into genuine opportunities, reinforcing the impression that individual performances were only occasionally effective in masking systemic flaws.
Celtic’s midfield struggles against Braga also exposed a structural issue that goes beyond individual performances: the team is overloaded with playmakers but lacks the physicality and ball-winning ability required to compete in Europe. McGregor, Hatate, and Bernardo all provided technical quality, but none were able to impose themselves defensively or disrupt Braga’s rhythm, leaving the midfield open and easy to exploit. Celtic’s combination of skilled passers without a true anchor meant that once Braga took possession, they were unable to regain control, and Rodgers’ creative talents were left chasing shadows rather than controlling the game. This imbalance has become a recurring theme for Celtic this season, emphasising the need for a more combative presence to balance out the technically gifted players. Last year, in Europe, we relied heavily on Arne Engels. He demonstrates the importance of a hard-working, ball-winning midfielder capable of breaking up play and providing structure, which the Celtic midfield lacked in this game. Engels’ energy and positioning allow Celtic to regain a foothold in central areas, providing a platform for creative players to operate rather than isolating them. Prior to this, Matt O’Riley, to a degree, performed this role. Rodgers’ team lacked balance against Braga, and the lack of a true enforcer in midfield meant that technical prowess was insufficient alone. Looking ahead, the Braga result is unlikely to be forgotten soon, but it does not have to define the European campaign.
We now have tangible evidence of the areas that require immediate attention – defensive organisation, midfield control, and the integration of attacking players into a cohesive system. Tounekti and Maeda proved they can carry intensity and threat, while Saracchi demonstrated the importance of dynamic wing-back play. Iheanacho’s ability to finish under pressure remains an asset, even if VAR denied him a well-deserved goal. If Celtic are to progress in the Europa League, they must learn to improve their rotations, defensive cohesion, and midfield presence during the match. Domestic games provide an opportunity to regain confidence, improve attacking fluency, and test the 3-4-3 strategy in less punishing conditions, which we will go on to discuss; they did do so again later in October. Braga may have taken the points, but the team now understands that individual sparks will not suffice, and the true challenge is to convert fleeting moments into a consistent, collective performance.
Game Two – Celtic 3-2 Motherwell – Scottish Premiership
Celtic’s match against Motherwell was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with the game feeling like it could have gone either way until Daizen Maeda’s 92nd-minute header secured the victory. We started well enough, and a penalty awarded for Regan Charles-Cook’s handball provided Kelechi Iheanacho with a simple opportunity to open the scoring. However, the joy was fleeting. Motherwell demonstrated remarkable courage in attack, quickly responding through Apostolos Stamatelopoulos after Celtic’s defensive lapse via Anthony Ralston. They then took the lead through Marcelo Saracchi’s mistimed challenge, which earned them a penalty in the second half. For long stretches, Celtic appeared reactive rather than proactive, their attack hampered by their inability to maintain pressure and Motherwell’s disciplined lines. Motherwell had gone unbeaten in six league games this season and looked comfortable in possession at times, testing Celtic’s defensive organisation and exposing their lapses in concentration.
The match also served as a strong test of Celtic’s defensive resolve, as Motherwell approached the game with genuine attacking intent. Rather than sitting back and absorbing pressure, the visitors probed consistently, looked to exploit spaces, and forced Celtic into making difficult decisions at the back. Their willingness to attack kept the game tense until the final whistle and provided Rodgers’ side with a valuable opportunity to demonstrate resilience under sustained pressure. It was a reminder that, even when not at their best, facing a team willing to play expansively exposes weaknesses and helps prepare for tougher challenges ahead. The match also exposed a recurring challenge for Celtic – how their defence copes when an opponent attacks with pace, strength, and intent. It was also evident that Celtic’s defence continues to struggle when facing a strong, physical centre-forward. Motherwell’s Apostolos Stamatelopoulos consistently challenged the backline, holding the ball up and exploiting gaps, highlighting vulnerabilities that have historical precedent. For Motherwell’s equaliser, the striker managed to get in between Scales and Carter-Vickers, a worrying lapse that exposed communication and positioning issues, while Marcelo Saracchi arguably could have done more to defend the ball into the box. This makes me think about how Celtic seem to sign these technically gifted, ball-playing centre-backs, yet when a striker really steps up and starts bullying the defence, those skills sometimes aren’t enough. Similar battles have been seen in recent years, such as Lyndon Dykes’ duels with Jullien and Šimunović’s duel with Dame N’Doye’s physical impact for Copenhagen in the Europa League knockouts 5 years ago.
These encounters underline a recurring challenge for the Hoops. Dealing with robust strikers requires not just technical skill but physical awareness, coordination, and better support from the midfield. And before anyone asks, I’m not calling for the return of Shane Duffy in January… yet. Benjamin Nygren’s equaliser, set up by a calamitous error from Motherwell’s keeper Calum Ward, was almost comical, but it highlighted Celtic’s approach in pressing against a Motherwell side who are still getting familiar with a manager insisting on playing out from the back. Rodgers’ side was far from fluent in possession either, frequently retreating to safe passes and predictable patterns. Maeda, who had been quiet for much of the match, finally found the decisive touch, meeting Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s late cross to seal victory.
The midfield was once again a source of concern. Hatate displayed moments of creativity but was unable to dictate play or break lines effectively, and the midfield as a whole lacked physicality and cohesion. Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s cameo against Motherwell highlighted the Belgian’s potential value to Celtic, even if his start to life at Parkhead has been relatively quiet. Balikwisha has not yet made a significant impact, with performances that struggled to stand out. But in stoppage time, under intense pressure, he produced a moment of genuine quality. Arne Engels found him in the box, and Balikwisha’s composure and precision allowed him to deliver a perfectly weighted low cross across the six-yard box for Daizen Maeda to head home the winner. It was brief but crucial. That ball into the box not only secured three points for Celtic but also offered a glimpse of the attacking threat Balikwisha can provide when given space and responsibility. This assist underlines that he can make a difference in key moments, and it may well mark the start of a more influential spell for the Belgian forward.
Despite the nerves and mistakes, Rodgers’ team showed heart when it counted, and the victory provides a much-needed psychological boost following their Europa League defeat to Braga. Motherwell may feel aggrieved as they dominated periods, led twice, and were left wondering how a game they controlled slipped away. For Celtic, it served as a reminder that resilience and individual moments of quality can carry them through even when the team’s rhythm and structure fail. Maeda’s stoppage-time winner may not mask the team’s broader deficiencies, but it does provide a glimmer of hope that the team may be able to turn potential into consistency. Jens Berthel Askou’s approach was praised, as was the team’s willingness to play expansive, attacking football rather than sit back and defend. If key errors were corrected, Motherwell could remain competitive at the top end of the Scottish Premiership, and I believe they could have a good season.
In this game, Rodgers’ decision to drop Colby Donovan for Tony Ralston is a confusing one. Donovan has done nothing to warrant being left out – his recent performances, including a composed and intelligent display in Europe, suggest he has more than earned his place. Yet, in the classic “you’re good enough, you’re old enough” logic, Rodgers opted for the experienced Ralston, prioritising past mileage over present form. While Ralston’s professionalism and steadiness are clear, experience doesn’t matter much when basic concentration lapses occur, as seen when Ralston gave the ball away, directly leading to Motherwell’s equaliser. I know he’s often compared to a brickie, but in all reality, I don’t want my Celtic right-back being compared to a bricklayer – I’d rather he be compared to Danny McGrain… joking. It does feel unfair to Donovan though as he has shown all the attributes of a player ready to stake a claim. It raises questions about how Celtic balance youth and experience and whether momentum alone can earn a starting spot in a side with plenty of established names. Brendan Rodgers made it clear that the victory over Motherwell was about mental toughness rather than flawless football. He praised the players’ heart and determination, stating that while Celtic were not at their peak, they demonstrated grit and competitive intensity to secure the win. The emphasis on character, mentality, and energy rather than technical dominance typified a team still looking for rhythm and cohesion while also producing results when it counts.
Game Three – Dundee 2-0 Celtic – Scottish Premiership
It was another miserable afternoon for us, demonstrating how far we’ve fallen from being a team that scares opponents to one that makes them comfortable. Dundee hadn’t defeated us at Dens Park since 1988, but they never looked rattled for a moment. We had complete possession and supposed control, but no real imagination or energy. Everything we did was in slow motion—one pass too many, one touch too cautious, always a second behind the action. Watching us build attacks now is similar to watching a buffering video – you know what’s going to happen, but it never quite loads. It is not that we lack technical players, rather we have completely lost the rhythm and bravery that once defined us. Every move feels rehearsed, every decision safe, and it’s draining the life out of our game. There was a time when we were down a goal, and you could almost feel the comeback coming – that storm of movement, pressure, and determination. When Dundee scored, it felt like a slow sinking rather than an eruptive response. We kept the ball, passed sideways, and appeared tidy, but it was sterile football. Nobody wanted to break lines, challenge defenders, or make a risky forward run. Everything was safe and predictable. it was as if we were playing chess rather than football. Our wingers stayed wide but rarely beat their man, our midfielders took turns recycling possession, and up top there was a gap where a striker’s instinct should be. It’s the kind of football that saps confidence from both players and fans.
The most concerning aspect is our lack of speed, both in how we move the ball and in how we move ourselves. Dundee did not have to press like maniacs, they simply remained compact and waited for us to play into their shape. We used to stretch teams, move them around, and pull defenders out of position – now we simply help them become comfortable. Even when we did find a gap, the pace slowed before we could capitalise. By the time the pass arrived, the opportunity was gone. It’s not about fitness, but about intent. There is no longer any urgency to our play. You can almost see players thinking rather than reacting, which is a dangerous sign. You can coach patterns all day, but without instinct and aggression, they are meaningless.
The protest before kick-off set the tone. Bouncy balls, tennis balls and banners all spoke to the deeper unease around the club. You could feel the tension before a ball was kicked, and when the game actually started, that same tension lived on the pitch. It’s not that the protest caused the defeat, Rodgers was right about that, but it did reflect an unavoidable truth – this club appears fractured. The players were nervous, the manager was frustrated, and the fans are fed up. It’s as if each section of the club is waiting for the others to fix things first. When everyone is on their guard, it’s impossible to play expressive football. We’ve become so tight-lipped and risk-averse that even the most basic attacking strategy appears laboured. Then came Rodgers’ “Honda Civic” comment, which was, to be fair, entertaining. Comparing our squad to a Civic when we’re used to driving Ferraris captures the mood perfectly. I understand what he meant – you can’t expect top-class results without top-class quality – but at some point, you have to admit you’re the one driving. If we’re in a Civic, the handbrake is always on and the indicators are flashing.
The issue isn’t just a lack of stars, it’s a lack of spark. You cannot slow-cook every game and expect fine dining at the end. Maybe the squad isn’t full of Ferraris, but it should at least move like a car attempting to pass something. A little pace, a little danger, and a little chaos – anything to make teams fear us again. What makes it even more frustrating is watching us pass the ball around the edge of the opposing box like it’s an art exhibit appearing terrified of actually shooting. It’s all flicks, layoffs, and five-yard passes, as if we’re waiting for someone to unlock the goal with a key rather than simply putting their foot through it. We do not need a perfect goal, we simply need a goal. Sometimes it feels like we’d rather string together a 20-pass play that goes nowhere than take a shot from 18 yards. The crowd can see it, so can the defenders, and the ball probably knows it won’t be hit. That hesitation, that fixation on the ideal moment, is killing us.
Football is not a science experiment; sometimes you have to take a shot and see what happens. Dundee, to their credit, did not simply win the game – they earned every inch of it. They pressed smartly, defended as a unit, and charged forward with determination. They did not need to be brilliant, they only needed to be brave. That is the part that stings. Previously, teams like Dundee came hoping to contain us. Now, they believe they can beat us, and they’re correct. We’ve become predictable and ponderous, a side that looks the part until the last third before freezing. There’s still time to fix it but we need to reclaim our edge quickly. Because right now, we don’t just look like a Honda Civic – we look like one that’s run out of gas, parked on the hard shoulder, watching the rest of the league speed by.
Game Four: Celtic 2-1 Sturm Graz – Europa League
After a frustrating start to our Europa League campaign, we finally got to exhale at Parkhead. The 2-1 win over Sturm Graz didn’t just deliver three points, it reminded us how it feels when our lads play with intensity and purpose in our passing to try and split the lines. Conceding early on to a stunning long-range strike was a bitter pill to swallow, and losing Iheanacho and Johnston in the first half threatened to derail everything. For a moment, it felt like history was repeating itself – another shaky start, another injury blow, and another anxious 45 minutes of wondering if we’d ever get going. But then the tides turned. Scales calmly swept home the equaliser, and Nygren, following a string of near misses, powered a header into the net 144 seconds later. The collective roar from the Parkhead crowd felt like a relief valve, allowing us fans to exhale after weeks of disappointment. Finally, it appeared that in these rare instances, the Europa League could feel like our own playground, rather than a source of uncertainty and frustration. Injuries remain a concern, and the squad’s depth is a lingering question mark. Losing two key players within minutes of kickoff demonstrated how reliant we are on a few key players to guide the team through difficult games. Following this losing Carter-Vickers at the end of the game, with him now being out for 5 months, is yet another blow.
Despite the early setbacks, the squad’s resilience was encouraging. Kenny and Donovan stepped up to fill the gaps, and despite the lack of some of our usual creative outlets, we were able to create opportunities and keep Sturm Graz on edge. It was a reminder that, even in difficult circumstances, a spark of desire and cohesion can make a difference, but it also demonstrated that relying on these flashes of individual brilliance is not sustainable. We need more than luck and flashes of inspiration, we need consistency and creativity. Engels impressed in the midfield when he came on, constantly probing and demonstrating his importance in European games. However, we cannot ignore the obvious issue – creativity and speed. There were times when the tempo dropped, passes were slow, and opportunities were not taken with conviction. When the ball slows, opposing teams smell blood. The need for players who can consistently break lines, unlock tight defences, and inject pace into the game has never been more evident.
Despite the improved performance, the finish still leaves us grinding our teeth. We created a flurry of opportunities but failed to convert the large majority. It can be frustrating to watch our players move the ball around the edge of the opposing box for what seems like an eternity, attempting to create the perfect ball into the area. It’s a lovely concept in theory, but in practice, it often fizzles out, leaving us staring and thinking… just smack it! The balance between structured build-up and instinctive finishing remains delicate, and until it is discovered, moments of brilliance will only get us so far. Patience has its uses, but a little decisiveness in pursuit of a goal would do wonders for morale—and our collective blood pressure.
Game Five – Hearts 3-1 Celtic – Scottish Premiership
Tynecastle was a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in Scottish football, and it was especially painful for us. Hearts moved eight points clear at the top of the Premiership after a commanding 3-1 victory, exposing the fragility and flaws in our current squad. The game began with a cruel twist – Dane Murray, who was thrown into central defence due to Cameron Carter-Vickers’ long-term Achilles injury, panicked under pressure and turned Lawrence Shankland’s shot into an own goal. It was a moment that set the tone for the afternoon, emphasising the difficulty of relying on inexperienced players in high-stakes games. We responded quickly, with McGregor calmly converting Tierney’s cutback to tie the game and give us a glimmer of hope, but the boost was fleeting. Early in the second half, Alexandros Kyziridis’ low, precise strike put Hearts back in front, and Murray’s rash challenge later resulted in a penalty for Shankland, effectively sealing the result. Those three minutes shattered any remaining confidence, and the gap between the two teams became brutally clear.
The defensive flaws exposed on Sunday were indicative of deeper structural problems. With Carter-Vickers out, our central defence was patched together with youth and inexperience, putting tremendous pressure on Murray to perform. His own goal and subsequent penalty were costly mistakes, but they cannot be viewed in isolation – they highlight a squad depth issue that has plagued us all season. Rodgers has defended Murray, emphasising the importance of exposing young players to high-pressure situations, but the reality is that a 22-year-old with little senior experience should not have been given such responsibility. Schmeichel provided stability in goal, and McGregor provided leadership in midfield, but our lack of an experienced spine in central defence left us vulnerable to any intelligent attacking move Hearts made. The mistakes were partly individual but also indicative of a system and team that was unable to cope with absences.
Reo Hatate’s performance against Hearts was another stark example of why his season has been so frustrating for us. He looked lost, often slow to react and hesitant in possession, failing to provide the defensive cover or creative spark expected from a player of his profile. His positioning was frequently suspect, leaving gaps in midfield that Hearts exploited with ease, and his decision-making under pressure was alarmingly poor. This wasn’t an isolated display. Hatate has struggled all season to impose himself, and that reliance on underperforming players because of a poor summer transfer window is becoming increasingly costly. Hearts were ruthless and incisive, moving the ball quickly, exploiting gaps in our defensive structure, and demonstrating a fluidity that kept us chasing shadows for long stretches. Kyziridis’ ability to cut in from the left and strike with precision and Shankland’s composed penalty conversion cemented their dominance. Every lapse in concentration on our part was punished immediately, demonstrating the stark contrast between a team that was firing on all cylinders and one that was struggling to function cohesively. Hearts were not only winning, they were also dictating tempo, style, and intensity, transforming what could have been a competitive contest into a vivid demonstration of their dominance on the day. Sunday also shed light on Rodgers’ responsibilities and his difficult situation. While he was quick to defend Murray and other young players, the match highlighted issues with tactical preparation, squad selection, and in-game flexibility. Relying on inexperienced defenders in key positions has repeatedly exposed us, and several summer signings have yet to make an impact. Injuries are unavoidable in football, but a lack of depth makes these unavoidable setbacks worse than they should be. Murray’s errors were highlighted by the scoreline, but they are symptomatic of a larger issue – a squad of varying quality.
The psychological consequences of this defeat cannot be overstated. Dropping ten points in nine league games has put us under enormous pressure and eroded confidence, which was already fragile due to a difficult European campaign and an unsettled transfer window. Supporters are frustrated and vocal, questioning Rodgers’ recruitment decisions and tactical decisions and whether he can get the most out of a squad that lacks belief and cohesion. The mental strain of watching Hearts score 25 points out of a possible 27 highlights how far we have fallen behind. While every mistake against a confident opponent appears magnified. This loss was more than just a matter of dropping points, it was a stark reminder of how precarious our position has become.
Hearts’ victory also highlighted the disparities in fortunes between two clubs operating on very different models. Hearts owner Tony Bloom witnessed the results of his investment in strategic recruitment and data-driven scouting. Their intensity, cohesion, and ruthlessness were on full display, demonstrating a team working together and fully aware of their strengths. Tynecastle served as both a cautionary tale and a mirror for our current realities. Confidence was exposed, inexperience was punished, and systemic flaws were revealed. Hearts have a historic victory, but we were reminded of how narrow the margin for error is in a title race. I wonder if this team has the mentality for a title race. We risk falling further behind a side that is quietly making history in Scottish football if we don’t get our act together. This defeat should serve as a wake-up call, but Dundee didn’t, Braga neither, nor Kairat. We are in a deep sleep right now and hibernating, and no matter how many times we are poked, we are refusing to react.
Game Six – Celtic 4-0 Falkirk – Scottish Premiership
When Brendan Rodgers walked out on Monday, it felt as if the entire club was about to implode. His resignation wasn’t simply a managerial change, it was seismic. Things only intensified when Dermot Desmond issued a statement blaming everyone but himself, leaving supporters bewildered and frustrated. And then came the announcement – Martin O’Neill was returning to Celtic 20 years after he first left with Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham joining his coaching staff. Before kick-off, the atmosphere outside Celtic Park was charged with frustration and defiance. The Celtic Fans Collective staged a loud and highly visible protest, expressing their anger at the boardroom chaos, lack of clear leadership, and the sense that the club had drifted away from its identity. Chants and banners made it clear that supporters were not prepared to remain silent while off-field turmoil threatened to overshadow the team on the pitch, setting the stage for what would become a night of release once the game got underway. The protests before the game were loud, angry, and absolutely justified, the board deserves every bit of criticism it’s getting, but for those 90 minutes, the tension turned into energy. Falkirk stood in our way and it was a crucial game to win to keep up with hearts who could go 11 pts clear. However from the first whistle, we felt and looked different. The tempo was higher, the passing quicker, the movement more instinctive. We played with a directness and intent that had been absent all season. Balls were moving forward with purpose, crosses came earlier, and the team attacked space rather than waiting for it to come to them. For months, we had been caught in the endless cycle of lateral passes around the edge of the box, hesitant and overly cautious. On Wednesday, those shackles were gone.
The breakthrough came when Nygren’s effort off the post found Johnny Kenny, who instinctively pounced to finish, giving us a vital first goal and, more importantly, lifting the weight that had been pressing down on the squad. Ten minutes later, Kenny doubled his tally, a reminder of what happens when a player finally believes in himself. It was a statement for him personally to be the starting striker for us and a signal to the rest of the team that confidence could return. Tactically, O’Neill’s subtle adjustments reshaped our play. Engels alongside McGregor in a double pivot relieved the man-marking burden on our captain, giving him freedom to dictate play and orchestrate attacks. The pair’s control allowed us to move the ball forward faster and with more aggression. Auston Trusty, restored to the backline, looked assured and commanding, staking his claim as a reliable presence. Up front, Nygren and Tounekti controlled the game alongside Kenny. Nygren’s goal was a reward for his movement and willingness to exploit space, while Tounekti’s composed strike for the fourth goal capped a performance that combined pace, skill, and confidence. The night showed the impact of attacking freedom paired with intelligent positioning – exactly what O’Neill’s brief demanded.
The team’s cohesion and mutual support were evident throughout, When McGregor was fouled late on, half the players immediately swarmed to defend him, a gesture that said everything about the mood in the dressing room and on the pitch. It wasn’t just about tactics, it was emotional, a visible sign that the players were playing for each other again. That collective intensity, combined with purposeful passing and intelligent movement, demonstrated that O’Neill’s impact went beyond formations – he had reignited a sense of belief and camaraderie that had been missing for months. Marcelo Saracchi was another standout. It’s easy to forget that our back-up left-back is a Uruguayan captain at the international level, yet he played with relentless energy from start to finish. Running, overlapping, winning duels, linking with Tounekti, and still sprinting in the 90th minute, Saracchi reminded everyone why he deserves serious consideration. Tierney remains elite, but Saracchi’s performance was a case for him to start ahead. His intensity, bravery, and tactical awareness were a blueprint for how full-backs should influence a match.
It was genuinely heartening to see Martin O’Neill back at the helm. For many of us, his return wasn’t just a managerial appointment, it felt like a reconnection with a chapter of Celtic history, a reminder of passion, authority, and experience in the dugout. After months of uncertainty and frustration, there was something reassuring about his presence on the touchline, the way he commanded attention, and the energy he brought. Even for those of us who were too young to remember his first stint, myself included, there was an immediate sense that the club was in capable hands again, and that alone injected optimism into both players and supporters. Shaun Maloney’s presence alongside O’Neill is also one for praise to the performance. His own experiences as a player and coach, from his time at Celtic and Hibs, Wigan and his spell internationally with Belgium, give him insight and credibility with the squad. He understands the nuances of Scottish football and can communicate with players in a way that resonates because he’s been in their boots. Further to this his role as development pathways manager allowed for Osmand to make his debut, a debut which was very impressive and had us all wondering why we haven’t been playing him. Mark Fotheringham, on the other hand, brings managerial experience and evident energy to the coaching team. You can tell he is pushing players to perform at their highest level while complementing Maloney’s calmer, more tactical approach. Both personalities are different, but both are essential in stabilising the club and bringing balance to the coaching setup after a week of shock after shock.
The fixtures ahead will test O’Neill’s ability to convert this energy into consistency. The League Cup semi-final against Rangers looms, alongside a run of challenging league and European games. By next month, the story could revolve around a completely different manager, or new obstacles may emerge, but for one night, Celtic felt alive again. The passing was purposeful, the movement instinctive, and the team played for each other. For the first time in months, there was joy, freedom, and belief on the pitch – a glimpse of what this squad can achieve when released from the weight of doubt.
