Celtic's European Exit: Critical Weeks Ahead – What Now?!

Out of Europe - Now Celtic Face Critical Fortnight

Celtic's European Exit: Critical Weeks Ahead – Wha...

Celtic's Europa League journey has ended, and now all eyes turn to the domestic front. The next two weeks are shaping up to be absolutely pivotal, with the team facing a relentless schedule that could either solidify their dominance or leave them reeling. By March 14th, we'll know if they're surging ahead in the league title race and booking a Scottish Cup semi-final spot, or struggling to defend their crown and facing a potentially trophyless season. It's a make-or-break period, no doubt about it.

The first hurdle is a crucial league match against Rangers at Ibrox this Sunday. Currently, Celtic trails their rivals by two points, but they do have that game in hand, which adds immense pressure to this derby. Let's not forget Hearts are lurking, six points ahead of the reigning champions, so a slip-up here could be devastating. Following that, a midweek trip to Aberdeen awaits, before a return to Ibrox for the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then a home game against a very capable Motherwell side. A tough run, to put it mildly.

"There will be a lot of twists and turns," former Celtic defender Johann Mjallby rightly pointed out on TNT Sports after their 1-0 victory over Stuttgart. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league goes to the final day. But they will have to do it over the next five or six games. You have to be relentless, otherwise they won't take the trophies." He's absolutely right – consistency is key now, and any signs of weakness will be pounced upon.

Despite the ultimately inconsequential 1-0 win over Stuttgart, following that heavy 4-1 home defeat, the match could still prove significant. Manager Martin O'Neill shuffled the deck, making eight changes to the starting lineup. And some fringe players really stepped up. Securing the club's first-ever win in Germany against the Bundesliga's fourth-placed team is nothing to sneeze at, regardless of the circumstances.

Luke McCowan's goal after just 28 seconds was a dream start, but Dane Murray and Marcelo Sarrachi stood out for their gutsy defensive display. Murray, in particular, has thrown his hat into the ring to start alongside Liam Scales, with Auston Trusty suspended for the next three league games. One magnificent block from Murray stood out, and he looked composed and assured defending corners, something that Celtic has at times struggled with this season.

The goalkeeping situation is also intriguing. Kasper Schmeichel, at 39, has been under intense scrutiny after some recent errors, including a shaky performance in the home defeat by Stuttgart. His replacement, 26-year-old Viljami Sinisalo from Finland, impressed mightily, making six saves in a display that former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov described as "perfect." High praise indeed.

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner believes Sinisalo has earned the right to start against Rangers. "He had some very good saves and looked composed when he had the ball and read the game well," he said on BBC Scotland's Sportsound. "It's a big decision for Martin O'Neill to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be starting him. Give him a run in the team now." Bonner makes a compelling argument.

O'Neill himself acknowledged that several players have given him "food for thought." "[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room," the veteran manager said. "He's got plenty of talent. Tonight, we made some changes. Some enforced, players stepped up to the plate but we didn't throw in 16-year-olds... these boys have played in the team and have shown they're capable of winning games. It wouldn't be a headache... A selection choice." It's clear that Sinisalo has made a real impression, and O'Neill faces a welcome selection dilemma ahead of Sunday's massive game.