Celtic Archives - SNN Sports

“Whatever Will Be, Will Be” – Callum McGregor Refuses to Rule Out Scotland Return

Celtic captain Callum McGregor refused to rule out a return to the Scotland setup after starring in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Hibernian at Easter Road. He has played all but thirteen minutes of Martin O’Neill’s interim spell, which has seen the Parkhead side play seven matches after the Northern Irishman replaced compatriot Brendan Rodgers in October. The midfielder retired from international football following Euro 2024 after winning 63 caps for his country, but an upturn of form and Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup next summer has raised the question of potential Scotland return. “To be honest, it’s not something I have thought of.” McGregor said when asked if he would reconsider his availability if Scotland manager Steve Clarke asked. “Obviously the guys did amazing to qualify in the last international break. A lot of good team-mates and friends in there so I was so happy for them. “For me, I just want to concentrate on the job I’ve got here [at Celtic]. I don’t want to get drawn into anything like that if I have got a big job here. “[There will be a] Change of manager soon probably, so, I’ll just keep trying to play well and whatever will be, will be.” McGregor’s last game for the national side was a late 1-0 defeat to Hungary at the 2024 European Championships, and scored his first of three goals for Scotland in a 3-1 defeat to Croatia at Euro 2020. The centre midfield area of the squad is probably where Scotland need strengthening the least, but the quality the Celtic skipper has shown for club and country over his career would be useful in the Americas next year. With Scotland qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998, Steve Clarke may look to use this as leverage to tempt McGregor back into the fold, as well as Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes, who never said no in an interview with Sky in the wake of qualification. The draw for the 2026 World Cup takes place this Friday, as the Tartan Army await with anticipation to book their flights for FIFA’s premier competition for the first time in 28 years.

December 1, 2025

Celtic Avoid Capital Punishment With Win Against Hibs

Celtic cut the gap on Hearts at the top of the table as they seen out a 2-1 win away to Hibernian at Easter Road. The champions survived periods of sustained pressure from a fired up Hibs side, who will leave feeling aggrieved that they haven’t taken at least a point from today’s game at a venue which has not been the happiest of hunting grounds in recent years for Celtic. The win makes it six wins from seven games for Martin O’Neill, who said pre-match that there is a possibility he remains in the dugout for Wednesday’s match at home to Dundee. A first-half double salvo from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels put Celtic ahead at the break, with Australian Martin Boyle converting a penalty to revive any Hibee hopes of a result in the second half. Hibs started the game as the better side but it was Celtic who created most. Daizen Maeda tapped the ball into an empty net 11 minutes in, but his provider Hyun-Jun Yang was offside in the build up. Just one minute later, the home side had a glaring opportunity to take the lead. Nicky Cadden whipped a daring cross in from the left, but Martin Boyle could only knock it wide of Kasper Schmeichel’s right post amid pressure from Marcelo Saracchi. Maeda would tap the ball into an empty net once again 27 minutes in, and this time it counted. A poor pass out from Hibees goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger to Miguel Chaiwa was pounced upon by Reo Hatate, and Celtic’s two Japanese internationals linked up to put the Hoops in the driving seat. Then only 93 seconds later, the visitors doubled their advantage. Yang dipped a ball in from left wing just outside the penalty area, and midfielder Arne Engels got his head on in to nod home and injured himself in the process. Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi almost made it three on the cusp of half-time. Maeda back heeled the ball into his path, but his effort cannoned off of the post. Hibs clawed one back ten minutes into the second period. Nick Walsh was called over to the VAR monitor and awarded the Edinburgh side a penalty for a Liam Scales handball. Captain Martin Boyle stepped up, and slotted the ball into the bottom right as Kasper Schmeichel stayed standing. There were calls for a Celtic penalty with 22 minutes left to play when winger Yang and Hibs’ Rocky Bushiri’s heads collided following a deflected Kieran Tierney cross, however these claims were quickly waved away from Walsh. A late chance for Hibs went begging with just five minutes of normal time to play. Kieron Bowie got the better of Auston Trusty and fired a low ball into the box. Chris Cadden done everything right to keep his effort goal bound, but Schmeichel’s extended leg denied the hosts an equaliser. Today’s result means that Celtic have cut the gap on league leaders Hearts to just two points with one game played less than the Jambos. Both sides meet next Sunday after midweek action on Wednesday with Celtic at home to Dundee, and Hearts hosting Kilmarnock As for Hibs, they return to Easter Road on Saturday to face Falkirk, after losing at home for only the second time in 19 league matches. HIBERNIAN: Sallinger 5, O’Hora 5, Bowie 6, Boyle 6 (Youan 79’ 1), C Cadden 5, Chaiwa 4(Newell 79’ 1), McGrath 6, N Cadden 2 (Iredale 38’ 5), Mulligan 5 (Barlaser 79’ 1), Obita 6 (Campbell 66’ 3), Bushiri 6 CELTIC: Schmeichel 7, Scales 5, Trusty 6, Yang 6, McCowan 5c(Nygren 63’ 3), Engels 5, Saracchi 5 (Tierney 63’ 3), Maeda 6, Hatate 6, McGregor 6, Donovan 3(Ralston 46’ 4)

November 30, 2025

Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic: Ruthless Celts Stun Dutch Giants

Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic Ueda (11′) Hyun-Jun (31′) Hatate (43′) Celtic shook De Kuip to record a crucial Europa League victory, in a potential send-off for interim manager Martin O’Neill. Feyenoord opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Sem Steijn gathered a Luciano Valente pass on the edge of Celtic’s box. The home captain showed composure, squaring the ball to Ayase Ueda, who finished low into the bottom left corner. The away side responded moments after the half-hour mark, with an efficient team move. Luke McCowan clipped a clever pass into the path of the onrushing Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder lofted the ball to the back post for Yang Hyun-Jun to volley home. Hatate put Celtic in dreamland on the stroke of halftime. Daizen Maeda pressured Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, who rushed his clearance into Hatate’s path. The midfielder’s first-time strike nestled in the centre of the goal to give Martin O’Neill’s side an unlikely lead. Feyenoord threatened in the second half, but it was the visitors who scored next. The ball broke to Benjamin Nygren in the box after Celtic pressure, and the Swedish attacker finished high off the crossbar. The goal sent the visiting support into frenzy, and rounded off a superb away victory. The win lifted Celtic into 17th place in the Europa League standings. They return to Premiership action at Easter Road on Sunday. Feyenoord: Wellenreuther, Lotomba (van Persie 81′) Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Smal (Nieuwkoop 62′) Valente (Timber 76′) Steijn, Targhalline, Moussa, Ueda, Sauer (Diarra 62′) Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan (Ralston 84′) Trusty, Scales, Tierney (Murray 70′) McGregor, Engels, Hatate (Bernardo 83′) Yang (Tounekti 71′) McCowan (Nygren 63′) Maeda

November 27, 2025

“It Would Be So Lovely to Leave on a Good Note” – Martin O’Neill Second Celtic Chapter Set to Close

Interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is set to hand over the reins at Celtic Park to incoming replacement Wilfried Nancy after the Parkhead club’s next two matches against Feyenoord and Hibernian. The Northern Irishman took over after countryman Brendan Rodgers’ dramatic departure, and has steadied the ship amid turbulent off-field circumstances, which included an abandoned AGM. The 73 year-old has won three of his four matches so far, losing only to FC Midtjylland of Denmark in Europa League, in which they face Dutch side Feyenoord tonight. “Listen, I have no doubt that there is difficulty ahead of us, but it would be nice to do that.” O’Neill responded in a press conference ahead of tonight’s game when asked about leaving on a high. “We have this game [vs Feyenoord] and then the Hibs game at the weekend and seemingly, although I have not been told officially, from what I have heard, that will be it. “There are still things at the other end that have to be sorted out yet, but I think I am definitely here for this one and then Hibs. “So it would be lovely to leave on a good note. It seems like 10 points would be enough to see us through, so that means winning another two games. This will not be easy.” Celtic have picked up four points from as many games in the Europa League this season, with Wilfried Nancy’s European competition debut expected to be against Serie A leaders AS Roma on 11th December. O’Neill said that he is prepared to give the Columbus Crew manager advice, should the Frenchman want it. “I think one of the unfortunate things for the length of time I’ve been in is that I’ve not got to known all the players. “He has to win and he has to win right from the off. You’ve got to win. “Winning gives you a bit of respite, and then it gives you the chance to build a team in your manner, whatever that manner may be.” An official announcement from Celtic is expected over the weekend confirming the hire of Nancy and his assistant Kwame Ampadu from MLS side Columbus Crew. For Martin O’Neill, he faces Robin Van Persie’s Feyenoord at De Kuip before a potential last game at Easter Road to visit Hibernian. Wilfried Nancy could be in the dugout for Wednesday’s hosting of Dundee, kicking off a first full month in charge that would include a visit from league leaders Hearts, a cup final against St.Mirren and a derby clash against Rangers.

November 27, 2025

Celtic fans are UNGRATEFUL and abuse towards the board is crossing a line – Scott Bradley

It’s safe to say, the relationship between the Celtic board and fans could not be more toxic. Celtic hosted their AGM last Friday and the atmosphere in the room was as poisonous as expected. The shareholders showed their displeasure towards the under-fire Hoops hierarchy holding up red cards during the meeting. Ross Desmond read out a scathing statement that added more fuel to the fire to the situation where he LAMBASTED sections of the Parkhead faithful regarding their behaviour over the past few months. Desmond said: “The behaviour of certain sections increasingly brings the club and it’s fanbase into disrepute. “The incident a few weeks ago at the Falkirk match was systematic of wider behaviour that cannot be ignored. “These people are bullies, and they try to hijack the good name of Celtic. “They try to hijack the good name of Celtic supporters, and we cannot allow them to define who we are. “I am well aware of the target that I put on my back by saying this.” After Desmond’s defiant words, Peter Lawwell brought the meeting to an abrupt close, which sparked even more anger from the shareholders in attendance. Interim manager Martin O’Neill thought it was a ‘really sad morning’ and wondered what Jock Stein would have made of the scenes. Are the Celts board perfect? No far from it. But their supporters are ungrateful and the abuse towards them is crossing a line now. They’ve enjoyed an unprecedented amount of success over the last 13 years winning 13 league titles out of 14. Say what you want about Dermort Desmond, but he is a shrewd businessman, who knows how to run a football club and he’s done a phenomenal job. I don’t know what more Celtic fans are wanting. They’re sabotaging their season by creating an unnecessary hostile atmosphere and the only clubs it benefits are Rangers and Hearts. Many feel as though the board didn’t back former manager Brendan Rodgers enough but are forgetting that he spent £55 million in the past two years in the transfer window. Rodgers brought in Adam Idah for £9 million, Arne Engels for £11 million, and Auston Trusty for £6 million. Fine players but nowhere near worth that amount – three big signings all signed off by the Northern Irishman. After Rodgers’ departure last month, Dermort Desmond released a bombshell statement accusing him of being ‘divisive, misleading and self-serving.’ Desmond also said that the claims of Rodgers not being offered a new deal were ‘simply untrue.’ After Rodgers’ dismal transfer record on big money signings and his unwillingness to commit to a new contract – it makes total sense as to why the board were slightly reluctant to give him another big cash injection in the summer. This new generational of Hoops fans are entitled and should be more grateful for the unbelievable success they’ve experienced over the years. Ungrateful, entitled, and spoilt is the best way to describe their disgusting behaviour towards the board.

November 26, 2025

Martin O’Neill offers key bit of advice for incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy

Martin O’Neill has warned incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy to stay well clear of the toxic feud that’s going on between the board and fans. Nancy is set to be appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after impressing the Celtic hierarchy following a series of talks and could be in the dugout for the home fixture against Dundee next week. Hoops legend O’Neill is in interim charge and has offered some advice to the 48-year-old: “The new manager coming in should divorce himself from all those proceedings. This is a fresh start for him. “He hasn’t been party to anything that’s happened in recent times. “He’s going to step into something that really has been none of his concern. “That’s the way I would be approaching it and it’s not like passing the buck. “It’s just saying, ‘Well, sorry, that’s not of my making — my making is to put Celtic back in the game’. “Let’s say it was me and I’d never manage the football club again. “I’d be saying, ‘Yeah, that’s got nothing to do with me, I have to try and win some football games’.” Jaws dropped when the 73-year-old made his stunning return to the Parkhead club after 20 years and has won four of his five games in charge. The Northern Irishman said he’ll look back on his second spell with fondness and added that he doesn’t know if he would’ve been able to do the job every week: “In a perverse sort of way, I have actually enjoyed it. “Could I really do the job again week in, week out, week in, week out, for months on end? I really don’t know. “Do I have energy and enthusiasm? Yeah, I have those. Is that enough? Not so sure. “I’ve got all of those particular things. Do I have knowledge of the game? Of course, yeah. “When it is over, and I don’t know when that will be, I’ll think, ‘That was actually quite nice’. “It kind of reinvigorates you because you are actually concentrating on something you used to do, and you’d almost forgotten how to do it.”

November 26, 2025

McGregor’s late strike the difference in Paisley.

It was the hosts who started off the more threatening. And on 7 minutes they should have been ahead. Declan John did brilliantly and played a ball across goal towards Conor McMenamin, who failed to convert from close range, on the stretch. In the 15th minute, Sebastian Tounekti cut inside onto his right foot and got a shot off, but his curling effort went over the bar. In the 28th minute, Declan John’s corner was cleared by Celtic, but only as far as Conor McMenamin, who found space on the edge of Celtic’s box, but his brilliant left-footed effort came crashing off the post. In the 43rd minute, St Mirren managed to keep the ball alive following a long throw, the ball fell to Miguel Freckleton, who blazed his shot over the crossbar with Kasper Schmeichel on the deck. HT: St Mirren 0-0 Celtic After 50 minutes, Daizen Maeda looked to be through on goal, but Alexandros Gogic made an incredible sliding challenge to deny the Japanese forward. A bright start to second period from the Champions. After 64 minutes, Keanu Baccus found space outside the box, but his shot was comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel. In the 69th minute, St Mirren put the ball in the back of the net. Celtic defender Liam Scales was stretching for it and put the ball in the back of his own net, however, St Mirren’s number 10 Conor McMenamin was in an offside position and deemed to be interfering with play, therefore the goal was disallowed. With just under a quarter of an hour remaining of normal time, Celtic were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the St Mirren box, but Arne Engels’ effort came crashing off the wall. On 79 minutes, Liam Scales played a brilliant ball into the box, Daizen Maeda flicked it on towards the back post, but no Celtic player was there to convert. In the 83rd minute, Declan John took a shot from a tight angle, with Jonah Ayunga free at the back post, and his shot was easily saved by the Danish keeper. Deep into stoppage time, Celtic found the breakthrough. Callum McGregor worked some space on the edge of the box, and his sensational strike found the top corner. A vital strike from the Celtic skipper, which puts the pressure on Hearts going into their clash against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

November 23, 2025

Wilfried Nancy Set to be Named Next Celtic Boss

Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has emerged as the front runner for the vacant position at Celtic. It is understood that he is the number one target at Parkhead, and can now enter talks with the club’s hierarchy after Columbus Crew granted Celtic permission to speak to the Frenchman. The Crew’s season came to a close after a loss in the MLS playoffs to state rivals Cincinnati, allowing Celtic to move their approach into another gear for the 48 year-old. Nancy was assistant to Thierry Henry at CF Montreal before taking the reins himself in 2021, where he managed current Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston. He left Canada to head south to Columbus Crew in late 2022, and would deliver success in the MLS Cup in 2023. Nancy was awarded MLS Coach of the year in 2024. It is believed that Nancy has faced competition from the likes of Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen for the role whilst former boss Martin O’Neill has taken interim charge. Celtic are back in action a week on Saturday, travelling to St. Mirren in what could be Nancy’s first match as Celtic manager.

November 14, 2025

Five Managers On The Celtic Shortlist

Celtic are still to appoint Brendan Rodgers’ replacement following the Northern Irishman’s shock resignation last week. The rumour mill was been going into overdrive over who is next going to take the Celtic Park hot seat, with ex-boss Martin O’Neill keeping it warm in interim charge just now. O’Neill has won both games in charge so far, but has insisted from the offset that he is just there for the short-term, whilst the hunt for a ‘younger’ manager goes on. Here are five coaches that Celtic could employ. 1. Kieran McKenna The bookies favourite. Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna enjoyed back-to-back promotions with the Tractor Boys which seen them back in the Premier League in 2024 for the first time in 22 years. London born, McKenna was rumoured to have been raised in a ‘Celtic-supporting’ household in County Fermanagh, and refused to categorically rule himself out of the running when quizzed about it last week. He has a reported £5million release clause. 2. Kjetil Knutsen The Bodo/Glimt manager guided the Norwegian side to their first ever Eliteserien title in 2020, going on to win three more after that. In charge since 2018, Knutsen has supposedly said no to European giants Ajax in the past, and transformed his Arctic Circle side into a feared European side of their own, defeating Celtic in the 2022 Conference League before getting to last season’s Europa League semi finals and achieving Champions League qualification in the first time in the club’s history. His contract expires at the end of this calendar year. 3. Wilfried Nancy One name that won’t go away is Wilfried Nancy. The Columbus Crew manager won the Ohio side the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024. The Frenchman won MLS Coach of the Year in 2024 and is said to be thought of highly by Parkhead chiefs due to his expansive, possession-based style of play. Nancy managed current Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston during his time at CF Montreal, and MLS reporters describe a move to coach in Europe as an ‘inevitability’. 4. Nicky Hayen Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen is another coach with links swirling around him. The Belgian has been in charge of the Champions League Club since 2024 after replacing former Celtic manager Ronny Deila, and was able to deliver title success while still initially caretaker. He has added a Belgian Cup to his trophy cabinet since, and is another coach who has refused to dismiss any speculation when asked. He also enjoyed a spell as manager of Haverfordwest County, in the Welsh division, before a quick rise to European football. 5. Ange Postecoglou The noise surrounding the Australian has went quiet, if there ever was any concrete links to begin with. But there is no doubt that the Celtic treble winner has been discussed between the Celtic hierarchy. Leaving Celtic for Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, Postecoglou won Spurs their first trophy in 17 years with the Europa League, despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, before being sacked after just over a month at Nottingham Forest. Now a free commodity again, the job could be his if he is looking to get back into football so quickly.

November 9, 2025

Celtic 3-1 Rangers: Extra Time Double Sends Celtic to League Cup Final

Celtic 3 – 1 Rangers Kenny (25′) McGregor (93′) Osmand (109′) Tavernier (81′ pen) Celtic will play St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup Final, after Martin O’Neill’s side edged out the ten men of Rangers in a dramatic Hampden clash. The game began frantically, as both sides wrestled for control of the cup tie. An early mistake from Nasser Djiga allowed Sebastian Tounekti into space on the Celtic left. John Souttar cleared his cross before Johnny Kenny could make contact. Tounekti was involved again in the 10th minute. Anthony Ralston’s low cross found its way to the Tunisian at the back post, but his first-time shot blazed over. Jack Butland denied Daizen Maeda’s shot in the 17th minute before Celtic had the ball in the back of the net moments later. A quick Callum McGregor free kick worked its way to Djiga in the box, the centre back’s clearance bounced off Nico Raskin and floated into the net. Luckily for Danny Rohl’s side, Maeda was deemed offside in the build-up. Youssef Chermiti fired wide from six yards in the 21st minute after Mohamed Diomande’s decisive pass, for Rangers’ best chance of the match, but Celtic broke the deadlock four minutes later. Kenny towered above the Rangers’ defence to head home Arne Engels’ corner kick. The goal was his third in two games, and it warranted Celtic’s positive start to the game. Kenny almost added to the lead minutes later, after breaking several challenges on the edge of the box, he blasted a strike, which Jack Butland blocked. Despite defending poorly in the first period, Rangers had two massive opportunities to equalise. Danilo’s clever reverse pass freed Raskin on the right edge of the box, but Kasper Schmiechel smothered his shot to keep the score at 1-0. Chermiti then ghosted in at the back post from Tavernier’s set piece, but couldn’t make a firm contact on the ball, as his volley poked wide. The Ibrox side’s afternoon went from bad to worse after Thelo Aasgaard caught Ralston high on the defender’s thigh, Nick Walsh gave the Norwegian his marching orders to reduce Rangers to ten men. Celtic could have been down to ten men themselves on the stroke of halftime. Auston Trusty made contact with Butland’s head after gathering the ball, but Nick Walsh opted for a yellow card, maintaining Celtic’s numerical advantage. Celtic continued to threaten at the start of the second period. Engels flashed a 25-yard strike past Butland’s goal in the 53rd minute as Martin O’Neill’s side looked to double their advantage. Another Engels corner was almost headed home by Benjamin Nygren a minute after, before Butland parried Ralston’s subsequent strike. Rangers did improve in the second period despite being a man down. Diomande flashed wide after Tavernier’s free kick as Rohl’s side tried to unsettle their opposition. Celtic should have gone two-nil ahead in the 67th minute. Marcelo Saracchi drove infield, flashing a cross to Nygren, who blazed over. James Forrest crashed a left-footed strike off the crossbar moments later. Liam Scales delivered a potential goal equaliser-saving tackle in the following moments to stop Djeidi Gassama from blasting at Schmiechel’s goal. Nick Walsh awarded Rangers a penalty in the 80th minute, after Ralston blocked Gassama’s shot with his arm. Tavernier made no mistake, slotting low to Schmiechel’s right, sending the blue side of Hampden into frenzy. The ten men had been up against it since Aasgaard’s dismissal, but had somehow dragged themselves back into the semi-final. Calum Osmand had an opportunity to regain Celtic’s lead after being slid through Forrest, but the youngster rolled his shot straight at Butland to keep the score level. Hatate could have sent Celtic to the final in injury time, he linked with Forrest on the right but blasted over Butland’s bar. Tierney’s deflected strike went behind with the last kick of the game. Calum McGregor rocketed Celtic into the lead at the start of extra time. Trusty laid off to the captain on the edge of the box, who crashed a strike past Butland from 25 yards. Gassama was sent clean through by Bojan Miovski in the 100th minute, after Schmiechel was alert to block his strike. Osmand sealed Celtic’s spot in the final in the final ten minutes, Kieran Tierney flashed a low cross for the substitute to slide home. Celtic: Schmeichel 6 Ralston 5 Trusty 7 Scales 7 Saracchi 7 McGregor 7 Engels 7 Nygren 7 Maeda 6 Kenny 8 Tounekti 6 Substitutes: Forrest 6 Hatate 6 Osmand 6 Balikwisha 5 Tierney 6 Rangers: Butland 5 Djiga 3 Souttar 6 Cornelius 6 Tavernier 6 Diomande 6 Raskin 7 Meghoma 7 Aasgaard 4 Danilo 5 Chermiti 3 Substitutes: Gassama 6 Moore 6 Miovski 6 Antman 5 Aarons 5 Rothwell 5

November 2, 2025

Celtic