Celtic Archives - Page 3 of 14

Martin O’Neill believes Celtic aren’t out of any title race despite ‘setback’ at Tannadice

Both O’Neill and McGregor insist the title race for the Hoops’ isn’t over and that Celtic are certainly still in the title race. Celtic were defeated this afternoon at Tannadice after Dundee United scored twice in the second half to put Martin O’Neill’s men further back in their attempt to defend their title. The Glasgow side had good spells of possession but couldn’t make anything show for it, failing to test Maynard-Brewer enough as they suffered defeat in the City of Discovery. While speaking to Sky Sports, ONeill said: “In the second half we lost our way completely, the first goal was going to be vital in the game and we probably didn’t create enough and maybe we didn’t adjust in the second half to conditions but that’s taking nothing away from Dundee United – they deserved to win. “The game got away from us, that’s true. Goals win matches and we chased the game a little bit but, even so, we should have been able to do better. This was always going to be a difficult game for us, away here at Tannadice, I’ve never had an easy game here. “The game got away from us, that’s true. Goals win matches and we chased the game a little bit but, even so, we should have been able to do better. This was always going to be a difficult game for us, away here at Tannadice, I’ve never had an easy game here.” He added: “The game got away from us, that’s true. Goals win matches and we chased the game a little bit but, even so, we should have been able to do better. This was always going to be a difficult game for us, away here at Tannadice, I’ve never had an easy game here. “It is a setback at this particular time of the season and you can’t really afford to do that but we are not finished yet.” Celtic remain in third as they fail to follow-up on their rivals winning this weekend after defeat Aberdeen 4-1. Celtic now sit two points off of their fierce rivals Rangers and five point off league leaders, Hearts. A huge few weeks coming up for Martin O’Neill if they are to catch up and lift the title in May and must avoid any slip-ups in the build up to the final day.

March 22, 2026

Robertson coy on future ahead of crunch Champions League tie

Scotland captain Andy Robertson has shut down transfer talks linking him to Celtic, as his side looks to overturn their Champions League knockout tie against Galatasaray. The 32-year-old’s Liverpool contract runs out in the coming months, but contract plans are not at the forefront of his mind ahead of the season run-in. “I don’t think the day is the day to discuss that. “I think 24 hours before a massive Champions League game, I don’t think anyone should really be talking about their future. “We’ve got such a massive game ahead of us. “I know it’s a boring answer, and I can only apologise for that, my full focus as being a part of this time is trying to get through tomorrow night. “We’ve obviously given ourselves an uphill battle, and I think full focus has to be on that. “There’ll be time to talk about my future but I’m not sure today’s that day.” Robertson will lead Scotland to a first World Cup appearance in 28 years, and looks set to feature in the upcoming friendlies against Japan and Côte d’Ivoire. With two Premier League titles, a Champions League medal, and several domestic trophies to his name, his 2017 move to Liverpool has become a roaring success.

March 18, 2026

“I Could’ve Potentially Played My Last Football Game” – Kasper Schmeichel Reveals Extent of Injury Woe

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel fears he may never play football again after being told of the recovery time for his persistent shoulder injury. The Danish international faces 10-12 months out of action, which would see him out beyond the expiry of his Celtic deal, expiring this summer. It also means he misses a potential World Cup this summer, and the 39-year-old is under no illusions of the stark reality ahead of him. He told CBS last night: “I’m going to need two surgeries to fix my shoulder. “I’ve torn the bicep, torn the rotator cuff, dislocated the shoulder, torn the labrum. Everything is gone. “It’s like an outfielder doing his ACL and achilles at the same time. It’s looking like 10-12 months of rehab.” Schmeichel wouldn’t be back in action until after his 40th birthday, and likely without a club if Celtic now choose not to extend his contract at Parkhead. “I could’ve potentially played my last ever football game. “I’ve been a footballer since the day I was born, that kind of thought is devastating. It’s very hard to wrap my head around at the moment. “By the time I get back fit I could be plus 40. “I’m going to give it everything I can to see if I can get back. It would be probably one of the greatest feats of my career if I could ever get back from an injury like this.” The former Premier League winner’s last game in the sticks came in a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian last month.

March 18, 2026

Robbie Keane Emerges as Celtic Frontrunner as Three Man Shortlist is Drawn

Ferencvaros gaffer Robbie Keane is the reported favourite to take the vacant Celtic managerial position at the end of the season. The former Celtic loanee is said to be the frontrunner of three preferred candidates, alongside Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou and Wales head coach Craig Bellamy. The news was broken by Ewan Murray of The Guardian last night, and it is the first concrete piece of news Celtic fans have heard since Martin O’Neill’s interim return two months ago. Bellamy and Keane both enjoyed prolific six-month loans at Parkhead in 2005 and 2010 respectively, with the former’s situation being more awkward with a potential World Cup with his homeland Wales. As for Keane, the Republic of Ireland’s top scorer has won domestic titles in both Israel and Hungary with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros, yet is a potential replacement for interim Spurs boss Igor Tudor, a club where Keane spent the majority of his playing career. Martin O’Neill took temporary charge for a second time this season after the ill-fated reign of Wilfried Nancy in January, and countryman Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation in October. However, with the Northern Irishman being 74 years of age, the understanding was that his tenure would not be going beyond this summer. His backroom staff Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham both remain in contention to stay next season, despite O’Neill’s departure. Motherwell’s Askou has received plaudits for the Steelmen’s style of play this season, having his side in fourth and an outside bet to win the title, but there is reservations about prior experience and the ability to make the leap to a club the size of Celtic. He has the chance to show the Celtic hierarchy what he is capable of this Saturday, as Motherwell make the short journey to Glasgow to take on the defending champions.

March 13, 2026

“Hopefully More to Come” – Celtic Deputy Speaks on Game Time

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo hopes his time in the starting eleven won’t be ending anytime soon after he kept a clean sheet in a penalty shootout Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox. The Finnish international has started the last four games in place of an injured Kasper Schmeichel, all of which coming away to Stuttgart, Aberdeen and Rangers twice, with the Parkhead side coming through them all unscathed and kept two clean sheets in the process. And the 24-year-old hopes to remain in the net for this Saturday’s contest against Motherwell at Celtic Park. He told Celtic TV: “I’m loving every moment of it. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, play, like every footballer does, I’ve loved every single minute of it. “So yeah, hopefully more to come.” Despite being brought in as Schmeichel’s backup from Aston Villa in 2024, Sunday marked Sinisalo’s third derby match against Rangers, all occurring away from home and all three ending as a draw in regulated time. The former Exeter player of the season admits that its s a ‘funny’ record that he wants to maintain. “I suppose it is what every footballer wants to do, we want to play in the biggest games, which that fixture [vs Rangers] certainly is. “It’s the games you come here and really want to be a part of, and hopefully I can stay unbeaten. “That’s funny to hear, and obviously I’m just there to do my best for the team and if we manage to pick up results on the way, I’m happy with that.” Celtic return to their home turf for the visit of Motherwell on Saturday, and Sinisalo is prepared for his own first game in Glasgow’s East End since February. “It’s been a hectic last four games for everyone, a lot of travel, a lot of overnight stays, a lot of hotels and stuff. “It’s great to get home, especially after such a positive run of four games. We’ve just got to kick on, you’re only as good as your next game. “That’s how football goes, and we know how big these games are for us. We’ve got nine league games left, and hopefully a couple more in the cup. “We’ll be fighting and I’m sure we will be fighting right to the very end.” Celtic sit second in the league, five points off of leaders Hearts, one point ahead of third-placed Rangers, and five in front of Saturday’s guests Motherwell as the league takes its fourth last stop before a split for the ages.

March 12, 2026

Rangers 0-0 Celtic (2-4 on pens): Hoops hold their nerve to advance to Hampden

Rangers 0-0 Celtic Celtic win 4-2 on penalties Tomas Cvancara’s clinical penalty secured Celtic’s place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals after a tense 120 minutes of action at Ibrox. A packed-out Ibrox brought a raucous derby atmosphere, but in truth, the first half lacked clear-cut quality. Rangers started with a similar endeavour to last Sunday’s league encounter. Don Robertson correctly waved off an early penalty shout after Youssef Chermiti’s strike cannoned off Auston Trusty’s arm, which remained in a natural position. The Celtic team sheet surprisingly excluded captain Callum McGregor, who appeared to be suffering with injury. The visitors missed the captain’s instrumental force, as the hoops struggled to counter Rangers’ intensity. Celtic thought they had opened the scoring in the 35th minute. Liam Scales flicked on Luke McCowan’s inswinging cross from the right. Daizen Maeda reacted quickest, diverting a low header into Jack Butland’s bottom corner. The goal sent the 7,500 away supporters into a frenzy, but with Scales in an offside position, VAR promptly intervened. Danny Rohl would have been happier with his side’s control in the opening half hour, but Martin O’Neill’s side had learned from last Sunday. Mikey Moore’s threat was nullified by a sea of green jerseys every time the youngster got on the ball – the winger was unable to produce the same brilliance that helped foster a 2-0 lead seven days ago. With the score level after the break, Ibrox grew tense on the pitch and in the stands. Benjamin Arthur miscontrolled McCowan’s back pass in the 50th minute, allowing Chermiti an opening. Luckily for Celtic, Viljami Sinisalo was alert to race off his line, and clear from the Portuguese striker. Somehow, the ball stayed out of Sinisalo’s net four minutes later. A dangerous corner kick from Moore was glanced towards goal by Emmanuel Fernandez. The header deflected off Nasser Djiga in the box, causing a stramash in the penalty area, but with several Rangers’ jerseys around the ball, they could not force the ball home. With twenty minutes to play, the games remained finely balanced. Despite no goals, both sides continued to give every ounce of energy to turn the tie in their team’s favour. Benjamin Nygren hooked Nico Raskin’s glancing header away from the target as the game reached a crescendo. Dane Murray produced a brilliant block to stop Tochi Chukwuani’s striker with minutes to play. The visitors had endured endless pressure but defended their box well to stay in the game. The quarter final went into extra time, with neither team able to break the deadlock in a tense second half. Chermiti had the game’s best chance in the 98th minute. Bajrami’s lobbed pass found the striker in space, but from the left-hand side of the box, his deflected shot was skewed behind. The drama continued from the resultant corner, Fernandez towered above a crowded penalty box, to head into the net. However, the goal was rightly chopped off, as the centre back palmed the ball past Sinisalo, to keep the score level. Rangers’ relentless pressure continued. Substitute James Tavernier set up Chermiti in the six-yard box, but the striker’s volley drifted agonisingly wide. The hosts were in complete control but were once more unable to convert their chances. Celtic scored all four of their penalties in the shootout to advance to the semi-finals. A stellar defensive performance rewarded Martin O’Neill’s side’s efforts, securing their place in the semi-final draw. Rangers: Butland 6 Sterling 6 Djiga 6 Fernandez 6 Rommens 6 Raskin 6 Diomande 4 Moore 5 Olsen 4 Naderi 6 Chermiti 6 Substitutes: Chukwuani 6 Gassama 6 Bajrami 6 Tavernier 4 Meghoma 4 Celtic: Sinisalo 8 Scales 7 Trusty 8 Arthur 8 Araujo 8 McCowan 5 Hatate 7 Nygren 5 Maeda 6 Tounetki 5 Yang 4 Substitutes: Chamberlain 6 Cvancara 4 Murray 6 Mvuka 4 Forrest 4 Bernardo 4

March 8, 2026

Aberdeen host Celtic in a must win game for both sides

Aberdeen welcome Celtic to Pittodrie in a must win for Celtic if they are to catch Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The last time the two sides met was just before Christmas when Nancy was in charge at Parkhead where Nancy picked up his first win in Glasgow with a 3-1 win over the Dons. The last meeting at Pittodrie was on matchday two where Celtic ran away 2-0 winners under Brendan Rodgers with Nygren and Hatate was on target to give Celtic the win. This will be the third Celtic manager to face Aberdeen, a first for Martin O’Neill since 2005 in a 3-2 win at Celtic Park. Aberdeen are coming into this match following defeat in the capital to league leaders Hearts following a first half goal by Claudio Braga to stretch the lead at the top. The last meeting at Pittodrie came two weeks ago where Aberdeen were defeated yet again as Dundee and Steven Pressley ran out 3-2 winners with Ethan Hamilton scoring a stunner late on to win it for the Dens Park outfit. Aberdeen have only won one league game in their last 11 which was a 6-2 win against Livingston. Last time out for the Hoops’ they draw away to title rivals Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday. A brace by Chermitti in the first half saw Celtic go into the break 2-0 down but Tierney had Celtic back into the game after 56 minutes with Reo Hatate missing a penalty late on but scoring the rebound second time of asking. Celtic have only lost one league game in their last eight which was a 2-1 defeat at home to Hibernian. Leven speaking on tomorrow’s clash with Celtic: “Celtic are a good team, but we’re also a good team on our day. We need to bring it tomorrow. It’s a 95-minute performance, we need that, we’ve not had many of them this season. “But again, we’re at home. We shouldn’t fear anybody. This is a huge club and the boys should know how big this club is and anybody who comes up to Pittodrie should be in for a tough game.” Leven admitted his squad must “believe in each other” should they get past Celtic He added: “They’ve got to belief in the system, they’ve got to believe in each other, they’ve got to work hard, yes at times you’ll need a little bit of luck. “But listen, there’s good players in this team but they’ve got to all bring it on the same day and fight for each other, that’s the most important thing.” Martin O’Neill on tomorrow’s trip up North: “Certainly, this is a big game for us tomorrow evening, a big match for us and we have to try and win the game if we can” The Celtic boss has also commented on the Schmeichel situation: “Kasper is still not feeling great so I will leave him to recover properly,” said the Northern Irishman, who will again be without suspended defender Auston Trusty. “He (Sinisalo) has done really well in the two games that he’s come in. “He came in for the European game against Stuttgart, made a couple of really good saves and did very well. “And so he will start tomorrow night. “I have been pleased with him. I thought he did fine against Rangers, really fine. “And the goals that he conceded certainly weren’t his fault. “So I’ve been very pleased with him. And it’s an opportunity, it’s not the way that you’d want it to do. “But it’s an opportunity to see him because I think he wants to be the number one goalkeeper here in the foreseeable future.”

March 3, 2026

“He Can Do Special Things” – Callum McGregor Hails Derby Difference Maker

Celtic captain Callum McGregor had heaps of praise for fellow midfielder Reo Hatate after his late penalty rebound rescued a point away to rivals Rangers. The defending champions grip on the title was loosening more after each Rangers’ attack which seen the Ibrox side only 2-0 up by half time in a contest that could have been out of sight. But goals from Kieran Tierney and substitute Hatate earned the Hoops a deserved point in the second period, and McGregor credited an ‘outstanding’ performance from the Japan international. McGregor said post-match: “Reo was outstanding in the second half. He is a player that can do special things. “When he comes in and he plays the way he does against Rangers then you see him. He’s a real high-level player and you have to stay on top of him all the time to get the best out of him. “I think the last two games he’s been outstanding, so if that is him just starting to creep in terms of levels, and for sure we will need everyone at their best but especially a player like him, he’s a special player and if you can get him firing then he’s a real asset.” Hatate started on the bench to make way for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and skipper McGregor believes there is still more to come from the former Liverpool man once he is fully up to speed after he was brought off at half-time for the eventual goalscorer. “The subs probably changed the game for us as well as us doubling down on what it is we want to do. “Obviously Alex has just come in, and it is really difficult to get up to speed. I mean this game is hard enough when you’re fully fit and you’re in the rhythm and everything else, it’s still a difficult game to play. “He’s a top-class player, and has won a lot in the game, so we’ll need that experience and quality.” The salvaged point gives Celtic the opportunity to leapfrog Rangers into second place on Wednesday night in their game in hand at Aberdeen, and McGregor believes the number of late goals shows that they cannot be counted out the title race just yet. “At 2-0 down with their fans going crazy, it’s a tough place to come. That’s not an easy situation, but full credit to the boys for the second half. “Maybe the last four or five weeks, it [mental strength] has been evident. Football’s not easy, it never goes to plan a lot of the time as well. “You can plan for things, but in the moments when you’re up against it, you need characters, you need personality, to take the ball and play your way back into the game. There’s no better place to do that than Ibrox. “It shows everyone that we are right in this. Obviously with a game in hand which hopefully will nudge us closer as well and then we charge down these last sort of eight games and see where we can get to.” A win for Celtic on Wednesday takes them a point above Rangers and five behind leaders Hearts. With both likely to travel to Celtic Park after the split, this title race has plenty more twists and turns in store before May.

March 2, 2026

“I Don’t Go Back” – Ange Postecoglou Gives Answer on Celtic Return

Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has said that he ‘doesn’t go back’ when asked about a potential return on The Overlap. The Australian won five trophies in his two-season stint in Parkhead, three of those coming in his second season, and made himself a fan-favourite in the process. Now out of work since being sacked by Nottingham Forest in October, the 60-year-old has suggested his next job will not be in Glasgow. He told The Overlap: “I loved Celtic, mate. What a football club. “If I was younger, I would probably have stayed there longer. I probably would’ve stayed there three, four years. I think I could’ve made progress with them in Europe. “But at the time, like I said it had taken me a long time to get to this sort of space that the opportunity to join Tottenham was too good. “In terms of going back, I don’t go back. I just don’t think that’s kind of been my career. “Whatever the next step is, it will be something new, something I can make an impact in, somewhere I can win things. “It doesn’t diminish the affection I have for Celtic. It was a great experience. For two years, to be within a community that is so passionate, and it’s crazy how passionate they are about their football club. “Obviously I was fortunate enough to have success, so it’s a positive experience, and I loved every minute of it. I look back on it fondly but I won’t go back. I don’t think that is how my career has played out.” Postecoglou also commented on how intense the ‘Glasgow fishbowl’ can be, as he found out in his maiden season. “Nobody is going to talk to me about rivalry, I lived and breathed it there. “The perfect weekend in Scotland is Celtic winning, Rangers losing. Celtic winning, Rangers winning is not a good weekend. “I remember the first year I was there we won the double but Rangers were in the Europa League final. I got more text messages the night they lost the Europa League final than the night we won the league.” Celtic have Martin O’Neill in temporary charge for the rest of the season, with fans hoping that a suitable permanent successor will be announced with plenty of time to oversee the squad after the disastrous appointment of Wilfried Nancy.

February 19, 2026

“I’m Not Closing Any Doors” – Paulo Bernardo On Potential Homeland Return

Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo refused to rule out a return to his native Portugal as the former Benfica midfielder struggles for game time. The 24-year-old fell out of favour at Parkhead this season, averaging just over half an hour across his seventeen appearances in all competitions. And with three and a half years left to run on his current deal, there is a possibility that the former Portugal U21’s captain may be offloaded for a fee this summer. Bernardo told Portuguese group Sapo: “I love Portugal. For me, living in Portugal is a privilege, so it [move back] could happen. “I don’t know what will happen, but I see it in a positive light, and I’m not closing any doors.” The Benfica academy graduate last featured in league action when he played the whole first half of Celtic’s 2-0 defeat at Motherwell before New Year under Wilfried Nancy. But even since the return of interim boss Martin O’Neill, the Northern Irishman has opted to use Bernardo for cup ties and and European substitute cameos. And Bernardo himself admitted that this season has been far from plain-sailing. “We struggled for half the season, but we’re managing to get back into the rhythm. “Things have been going well, and I think we’re giving a good response after that more negative period. “It’s been a somewhat complicated season, but I’ve been trying my best to fight for my place and do what I’ve done in recent seasons.” There is a possibility that Bernardo plays a role in Celtic’s Europa League fixture tonight at home to Stuttgart, with club record signing Arne Engels out injured, and new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unregistered. “We’re in a good moment to face Stuttgart. German teams are quite competitive. “They run a lot, so the game won’t be easy, and we play the first leg at home, so that might give us a bit of an advantage.” Reports suggested that Celtic knocked back a late January window loan move from an unnamed Danish club for Bernardo, however it remains to be seen whether there is a way back in for Bernardo amid a plethora of options. Celtic face VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park tonight in the Europa League, before another home contest against Hibernian this Sunday in the Premiership.