Celtic Archives - Page 2 of 10

Falkirk 0-1 Celtic: Bairns Rue Missed Chances as Celts Escape With Win

Celtic made it back to back wins under the returning Martin O’Neill with a narrow 1-0 win away to Falkirk, becoming only the third away side to return home from The Falkirk Stadium with all three points this season. The result means the Glasgow side leapfrog their neighbours Rangers into second place on goal difference, but remain six points behind Hearts who defeated St. Mirren in tonight’s other fixture. The only goal of the game came on the stroke of half-time, with Celtic’s top goalscorer Benjamin Nygren scoring what would be the winner a minute before the whistle as he nodded an Arne Engels corner home. The home side had it much their own way in the first half, with Barney Stewart sending an early warning signal to the Celtic backline when he got in behind and fired straight at former Falkirk loanee Kasper Schmeichel seven minutes in. John McGlynn’s men maintained the pressure and came even closer fifteen minutes later, when a curled Calvin Miller set-piece from the left wing seemed to stop dead inside the Celtic six-yard box, eventually being cleared by left-back Kieran Tierney. And the biggest chance of the half would come just two minutes after. Kyrell Wilson done extremely well to beat Tierney to a ball over the top and drove in from the right, rounding Schmeichel with a smart side step, before losing balance and firing his shot high and wide. It remained one way traffic at the Falkirk Stadium and just before the half hour mark the hosts came close again. A slack pass from Daizen Maeda to his defence was pounced upon by striker Barney Stewart, who once again seen his effort swallowed by Schmeichel as the Hoops survived yet another scare. Seemingly against the run of play and with a mere minute before the half time whistle was blown, an Arne Engels in-swinging corner met the head of Benjamin Nygren. The Swede found the bottom corner and netted his tenth goal in the league this season, to give his side a perhaps undeserving lead at the break. A real collector’s item at half-time as the referee team made the only change. John Beatton swapped with his fourth official Sean Murdoch due to injury as he officiated his first game, or half if you will, of Premiership action. Celtic had the ball in the net again nine minutes into the second period courtesy of Daizen Maeda, but the Japanese forward was clearly offside and the scoreline remained 1-0. The defending champion’s first real sight on goal after the disallowed effort came around ten minutes from time. Reo Hatate was played in the box with space, and his low cross was met by Johnny Kenny. The Irishman’s attempt was blocked and bounced back off of him for a goal kick. Falkirk immediately went up the other end and produced a chance arguably bigger than any of those created in the first half. Liam Scales failed to clear a bouncing ball which landed at sub Ethan Williams’, but his strike was met by the extended leg of Kasper Schmeichel to deny his former side. The Bairns remain in the top six, five points clear of seventh placed Dundee United but will come away from this feeling aggrieved they haven’t taken anything out of the match. They travel to the capital on Saturday evening, to face Hearts in Scottish Cup action. As for Celtic, it is another win for Martin O’Neill who has won nine of hasten matches in charge over two spells as interim manager. The display did not complement the result and the Northern Irishman will no doubt be eager for reinforcements. Celtic travel to Rugby Park on Sunday to face non-league Auchinleck Talbot in the cup. FALKIRK: Bain 6, McCann 5, Henderson 6, Spencer 5, Yeats 4 (Parkinson 63’ 2), Stewart 2 (Marsh 63’ 3), Allan 6, Tait 5 (Cartwright 74’ 1), Wilson 5 (Ross 78’ 1), Lissah 7, Miller 7 (Williams 78’ 1) CELTIC: Schmeichel 7, Scales 5, Trusty 5, Nygren 7, Yang 5 (McCowan 66’ 3), Araujo 5, Tounekti 4 (Hatate 66’ 2), Engels 5 (Kenny 79’ 1), Maeda 5, McGregor 6, Tierney 6

January 14, 2026

Celtic recall Welsh from Motherwell loan

Celtic have boosted their defensive options by recalling Stephen Welsh from his loan at Motherwell. The 25-year-old signed a season-long loan deal on Deadline Day and made 17 appearances for the Fir Park side. He impressed in Jens Berthel Askou’s defence, helping them to 4th place, and achieving 9 clean sheets. Motherwell confirmed the recall on their website earlier today, stating, ‘We want to thank Stephen for his hard work during his time at Motherwell and wish him the very best for the future.’ Welsh becomes Celtic’s second January move, after completing a loan deal for Bournemouth right back Julián Araujo. Martin O’Neill is still without the stalwart defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, so both could become key cogs for the Scottish champions. O’Neill’s latest interim reign got off to the perfect start, with a commanding 4-0 home victory over Dundee United. They return to league action against Falkirk on Wednesday.

January 12, 2026

Celtic 4-0 Dundee United: Martin O’Neill’s Magic Returns Winning Feeling To Celtic

Celtic won their first game of Martin O’Neill’s second interim spell in charge this season, defeating Dundee United 4-0 at Celtic Park. Two goals in each half were enough for the Northern Irishman’s side, with Hyun-jun Yang and Arne Engels netting in the first period, before Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda completed the rout in the final half hour. It was Celtic’s first match since sacking Wilfried Nancy after 33 days, and they Hoops were able to keep a clean sheet for the first time since what we thought was Martin’s O’Neill’s last game as manager, when the defending champions eked out a 1-0 win over the over side of Dundee at Parkhead. The result temporarily lifts Celtic back into second place, three points behind leaders Hearts and ahead of rivals Rangers on goal difference. Both sides are in action tomorrow, away to Dundee and Aberdeen respectively. The hosts dominated proceedings from the referee’s whistle at kick-off, with he majority of play prevented Dundee United from escaping their own half as their resolute defence eventually caved 27 minutes in. Liam Scales picked out Yang on the edge of the area, and the South Korean’s low rocket flew beyond Dave Richards in the United net to open proceedings. And five minutes later Celtic were two in front. Kieran Tierney delivered a ball from the left flank and Belgian midfielder Arne Engels got first to it, putting daylight between the sides after his left-foot effort sailed into the goal. The Terrors had a glorious opportunity to get themselves back into the game which went begging just a couple of minutes before the half-time break. Teenage forward Owen Stirton took advantage of a slack pass from Austin Trusty, but the American was bailed out by an excellent recovery from his centre-half partner Liam Scales who got in the way of the 18-year-old’s attempt. Celtic were able to equal the intensity on the first half in the second, something they were unable to do in many games throughout Nancy’s forgetful tenure. Benjamin Nygren found himself with space on the six-yard line as the ball broke out to him, and the Swede’s fired home to convert for the 9th time in the league so far this campaign. And the Celtic fans would have to wait an extra minute between goals this time. Daizen Maeda got in on the act six minutes after Nygren, with the Japanese attacker reacting first to a parried effort from Sebastian Tounekti. Richard’s save fell straight to the 28-year-old, who put the ball out of reach to put a ribbon on a heavily sought after three points for Celtic. Dundee United remain outside the top six, sitting seventh in the table with only two wins from their last thirteen games. They host Scott Brown’s Ayr United in the Scottish Cup next Saturday. As for today’s winners, a much welcomed result and performance for Martin O’Neill on his return cuts the gap on Hearts at least until they play Dundee tomorrow. The Bhoys have a game in hand of the capital side, which takes place this Wednesday away to sixth placed Falkirk. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Araujo 5 (Donovan 61′ 2), Trusty 5, Scales 7, Tierney 7, Hatate 5 (Nygren 61′ 5), McGregor 6, Engels 7, Tounekti 6 (Forrest 72′ 2), Yang 8 (McCowan 72′ 1) Maeda 6 (Kenny 72′ 1) DUNDEE UNITED: Richards 4, Naamo 4, Sevelj 5 (Eskesen 78′ 1), Graham 5, Keresztes 4, Ferry 3, Stephenson 4, Sibbald 5, Camara 2 (Fatah 46′ 2), Stirton 2 (Strain 61′ 1), Sapsford 3 (Moller 79′ 1)

January 10, 2026

Dundee remain interested in Donovan

Dundee, who were close to signing 19-year-old Colby Donovan last window, are still keeping tabs on the right-back. Steven Pressley was keen on bringing the youngster to Dens and had a deal lined up in the summer, but an injury to Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston meant the deal did not happen. It’s understood that The Dark Blues will make an approach for the Scot, should Celtic show any sign of letting him out. Donovan has made 9 appearances for the Glasgow outfit so far in the Premiership, with 4 of those being starts. The Dees have been active in the January window, bringing in 21-year-old forward Joe Bevan, and Steven Pressley wants to add a left-back, a right-back, and could also look to bring in another midfielder on top of that.

January 8, 2026

Martin O’Neill in as Celtic begin post-Nancy reset

The Celtic great oversaw the team just a matter of weeks before bowing out for Wilfried Nancy is now back in charge. Martin O’ Neill is just off the back of leading the Champions to seven wins from eight matches before Wilfried Nancy’s appointment. And after a complete disaster from the Frenchman, with six defeats in eight, the Celtic hierarchy had no choice but to pull the plug and sack him and the Sporting Director, Paul Tisdale, from their duties. After O’ Neill’s spell as interim manager just a few weeks ago, he said: “The reception I got was fantastic. My backroom staff have been sensational, but the game is still about players. “They’ve turned up and won the matches. We’ve had a number of injuries, and players have stepped up to the plate every single time. I’ve had the time of my life over the last five weeks. It’s five or six weeks that I will never ever forget” Celtic’s season has been one to forget so far, and with Nancy becoming the latest casualty, his departure felt inevitable as the supporters’ frustration was continuing to grow. However, this left pressure on the Celtic board to get the next appointment correct and get back to winning ways. With a packed fixture list approaching, Celtic had no room for any more errors or experiments, and the board have gone down the route of experience to steady the ship as they did after Brendan Rodgers’s departure. With O’ Neill’s attachment to the club already, considering the demands of what it takes to be Celtic boss, it made him the obvious candidate to come in and calm everything down. However, Celtic must now turn their attention to their next league fixture as the club’s search for a new manager comes to an end, with Martin O’Neill appointed to the role.

January 5, 2026

Wilfried Nancy sacked by Celtic

Celtic have announced the dismissal of head coach Wilfried Nancy following 3-1 defeat to Rangers. The Frenchman endured six defeats in eight games, including a defeat in the Premier Sports Cup final to St. Mirren. He leaves the champions six points behind league leaders Hearts. Nancy has now overtaken John Barnes for the unwanted accolade of shortest reigning Celtic manager, with his tenure cut short at 33 days. Nancy took over from interim manager and Celtic legend, Martin O’Neill following Brendan Rodgers resignation. Celtic will now look for their fourth coach of the season in a bid to retain the Scottish Premiership title in what has been a season to forget for Celtic fans. The statement from the Celtic board reads “Celtic Football Club today announces that it has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy, with immediate effect. The Club thanks Wilfried for his efforts and wishes him and his family well for the future. Wilfried’s assistants, Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, will also be leaving the club and they take with them our good wishes. The Club can also confirm that Paul Tisdale has left his position as Head of Football Operations. We thank Paul for the contribution he has made in that role. A further update will be provided to supporters as soon as is practical.” Celtic’s next game comes against Dundee United on Saturday where there is currently no news on who will take charge.

January 5, 2026

‘When Has It Ever Been This Bad?’ – Luke McCowan Despairs Over Celtic’s Horror Form

Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan insists things have never been as bad at Celtic as they are just now, as the defending champions were defeated 3-1 at Celtic Park to bitter rivals Rangers. It is the sixth defeat in only eight games under Wilfried Nancy, who replaced popular interim manager Martin O’Neill at the beginning of December, who won seven of his eight games in temporary charge. And McCowan feels that this is the worst state of affairs at Parkhead in living memory. He said: “Let’s call a spade a spade, when has it ever been this bad? It’s never. “You’re asking fans to react to something for the first time they’re seeing it, and us as players for the first time we’re feeling it. “It’s not nice. I’ll tell you that as a player’s perspective. It doesn’t leave you. It haunts you every minute of every day when you’re not winning. “Getting home, not speaking to anybody, sitting on the couch, not moving, just doing that black screen instead of having the darts or having the football highlights on. “But, as I said, that is what it comes with playing with Celtic. You need to take that pressure on. You need to get there. You need to show personality and at times within games, we’ve not done that good enough.” Manager Wilfried Nancy has faced huge backlash from the Celtic support after his catastrophic start to life, yet former Dundee man McCowan and the squad remain behind the Frenchman. “We have to be [behind him]. He’s the manager. I don’t know what else to say on it, but he is the manager, so what do we do? “We just need to be together collectively, get better together, and know what we did wrong in the second half and go from there.” It was a capitulation of a second half from the Hoops as Rangers equalled their points tally despite being nine behind the reigning champions when Nancy took over. A dominant first half from Celtic seen them one ahead at the break, thanks to a solo goal from winger Hyun-jun Yang. However, a double from Youssef Chermiti and a Mikey Moore effort somehow getting beyond Kasper Schmeichel awarded Rangers their second victory at Celtic Park in as many visits. It is the first time Celtic have been leading a match at home at half-time and went on to lose in 152 matches, which incidentally was also a 3-1 defeat to Rangers in October 2010. A crowd of protestors gathered outside the main entrance of Celtic Park after the match, with fans anger directed mainly towards the club’s hierarchy, as well some towards their new manager, who became the quickest Celtic manager in history to lose four league games. Celtic return to action this Saturday at home to Dundee United who beat them 2-1 less than three weeks ago, with no official announcement on the 48-year-old’s future from the club so far as they now sit six points behind leaders Hearts.

January 4, 2026

Nancy urges patience amid growing pressure

Wilfried Nancy has indicated that he will need to be given the appropriate time to flourish during recent press conference. Nancy has gotten off to an abysmal start as Celtic boss with only two wins to his name after seven matches, but the Frenchman insists that he has been judged far too quickly. And with another defeat to Motherwell on Tuesday evening, the pressure is building rapidly, and supporters will be quick to express their emotions if they fail to get anything from this weekend’s Old Firm derby. Today, during Nancy’s press conference, which lasted an astonishing 25 minutes, he was clear that the criticism has come thick and fast, but believes there is more to come from his side. He said: “Give me time and you’re going to see what I do. You can already see what I did before because I didn’t start yesterday. I’m going to be a liar if I say, everything is happy, everything is good. No, it’s not the case, but I knew that before. “That’s why I’m calm during all the questions you ask me. I’m not pleased to hear people don’t like me, but they have the right to say it because in terms of results, this is not what we want. Tomorrow is a big game. But the context is that I’ve only had 13 training sessions with my team. Usually, we have four weeks of pre-season. “It’s totally normal that you guys kill me, I’m fine with that because I know where I want to go. Judge me in a few weeks or months. If you want to judge me now, you can do it. I didn’t have the results we wanted; it’s a fact, I cannot deny that.” Nancy’s appointment was made with a long-term plan, but the early weeks of his reign have been far from good enough. He expresses that the lack of time on the training ground has had an impact on how he implements his ideas to the squad. But the visit of rivals Rangers, now feels a must win, and Nancy will know that if he can snatch anything from this fixture it would offer some sort of confidence to himself and the team, while on the other hand a defeat would only add to the pressure on his position.

January 2, 2026

Watt’s Rise, Derby Days, and Chasing the Jambos: SPFL Matchday 20 Breakdown

Scottish Premiership football returns for 2026 with an action-packed card on Saturday afternoon. Here are the key talking points to watch out for this weekend. Player to Watch: Elliot Watt Elliot Watt has evolved into a crucial cog in Jens Berthel Askou’s Fir Park machine. Having featured 25 times this term with four goal involvements, the midfielder has emerged as a standout in the Scottish Premiership. Following a loan spell at relegated St Johnstone last season, the former Burton Albion man has flourished for Motherwell, playing with a high level of consistency and maturity. With 2026 now underway, this could be a career-defining year for Watt. While Steve Clarke’s Scotland midfield seems settled, Watt’s current form suggests he could force his way into international contention. As Motherwell host St Mirren on Saturday, Watt will be important for the Steelmen, as they look to reclaim third place. Game of the Round: Celtic vs. Rangers The first domestic fixture of the year sees Scotland’s two powerhouses collide at Celtic Park, yet this episode carries a unique level of wonder, with both clubs in states of transition. Pressure is mounting on Wilfried Nancy. The Celtic boss has endured a chaotic start to his tenure, losing five of his opening seven matches. Despite claiming to see “good stuff” in their recent defeat to Motherwell, Nancy’s side missed the opportunity to move level with leaders Hearts. Conversely, Danny Rohl has steadied the ship at Ibrox. Since his arrival, he has reduced the gap to the summit from 13 points to six. He may have tasted defeat in his first derby during the League Cup semi-final, but a run of just one loss in eleven league matches has reignited a title charge that seemed impossible just months ago. Victory for either manager will be crucial for the remaining months of the season. Team in the Spotlight: Hearts The league leaders return to Tynecastle to host Livingston, desperate to banish the memory of their derby defeat at Easter Road last weekend. Having reached the midway point of the season at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, Derek McInnes will be keen for his side to maintain their challenge in 2026. They face a struggling Livingston side, but will be focused on extending their unbeaten home record. Victory could build further breathing space from the chasing pack, depending on the result at Celtic Park. The home side may be aided by their latest recruit, Spanish right-back Jordi Altena, who officially joined from the Dutch second division on January 1st.

January 2, 2026

Celtic to Make First Signing of Wilfried Nancy Era

Celtic have reportedly agreed a loan deal for Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo. The Mexican international has made the trip to Glasgow from the South coast tonight as the clubs continue to negotiate a deal before Celtic’s derby clash against Rangers this Saturday. Araujo is said to be keen to register as much game time as possible to remain in contention of making Mexico’s World Cup squad as they host the tournament alongside the USA and Canada. Bournemouth have exceeded the limit of loans out to international clubs, meaning the Premier League side will have to recall someone before Araujo receives the green light for the green and white. It is unknown which loan will be sacrificed for Araujo’s switch to go through, yet Cherries boss Andoni Iraola is keen for the player to move having only played him once this season, in a cup tie defeat at home to Brentford where the 24-year-old was sent off in added time. Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy will be keen to reinforce his squad as quickly as possible after five defeats in his first seven games has seen supporter backing for him reach an all time low. The Frenchman has been aware of Araujo since he emerged as one of the top talents in the MLS when he came through at LA Galaxy, eventually earning a move to Spanish giants Barcelona in 2023 at the same time Nancy was at CF Montreal and Columbus Crew. Araujo, who made one cap for the U.S national side before switching allegiance, signed a 5-year deal with Bournemouth in 2024 for £10m, and made 12 Premier League appearances in his maiden season. Reports have also suggested that Manchester City will be terminating the loan of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. The right sided centre half has played just once in his time at Celtic so far this season.

January 1, 2026

Celtic