Celtic Archives - Page 4 of 15

“I’d Like a Second Chance” – Luis Palma on Celtic Future

Forgotten Celtic winger Luis Palma has revealed he wishes for a ‘second chance’ upon the expiry of his loan deal with Lech Poznan. The Honduran fell out of then manager Brendan Rodgers’ plans after the Northern Irishman signed him in 2023, despite an encouraging start which seen the 26-year-old net against Atletico Madrid and Feyenoord. And off the back of a fine season in Poland, Palma hopes his form can be transferred back with him to Parkhead. He told De La Rocha: “I had a great time at Celtic, I really enjoyed it. “I’d like a second chance. I’m still under contract with them, I’m still part of the club, and if they say I need to come back, I’ll do my very best.” Palma was forced into a squad number change to 77 when Celtic gave his number 7 jersey to a returning Jota in January last year when he was shipped on loan to Olympiacos. And when the Greek giants refused to take up their option to buy on the attacker, Poznan swooped in this summer and have a £3.5m option to sign Palma, which would smash their transfer record. With talks reportedly underway within Poznan to sign Palma and make a quick flip for profit, manger Niels Frederiksen is not deterred by his loanee’s comments. He said: “For me, his recent words weren’t a big deal. He remains a Celtic player, so he has to be loyal to them in some way. “What matters to me is that he gives everything he has to help us. There will be time to decide on his future and, in my opinion, he is also quite happy in Poznan.” Palma has scored seven times in all competitions for Lech Poznan this season, who sit three points clear at top of the Ekstraklasa with eight games to go.

April 3, 2026

Celtic’s injury crisis: How crucial will it be in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership?

Celtic’s injury crisis just got a whole lot worse, as Colby Donovan has now withdrawn from international duty with Scotland’s U21’s after picking up an injury at Tannadice. A terrible season for injuries has got even worse for Martin O’ Neill, as he may be without many key players in the race for the Scottish Premiership. Jota has been missing the whole season, as well as Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers who have been absent for majority of the campaign. Arne Engels and Callum Osmand have had their injury issues. However, the pair are expected back to action shortly. But Kasper Schmeichel’s season is officially over, and loanee right-back Julian Araujo is sidelined as well. Speaking on Araujo, O’ Neill said: “He’s down getting treatment and being rehabbed at Bournemouth. “I’m not sure when he’ll be back, but the extra two weeks could help.” And on the subjects of right-backs, Colby Donovan is the latest injury blow in the Celtic camp. Donovan has withdrawn from Scotland U21 duty, after crashing into the advertisement board at Tannadice on Sunday, which forced him to be substituted. However, it wasn’t a like for like replacement for the young Scotsman. Instead, O’Neill chose to move Reo Hatate to right-back, and later in the match moved winger Yang to the position. It’s another issue for Martin O’ Neill, but the encouragement of Alistair Johnston being called up for international duty, may well give confidence that the Canadian will be fit and able to return shortly. Will these injury blows have an impact on Celtic’s chase for the title?

March 26, 2026

“You’ve Got to Win at Least Five or Six to Have a Good Chance” – Celtic Skipper Delivers Title Verdict

Celtic captain Callum McGregor says that his side have to win at least ‘five or six’ of their remaining seven Premiership fixtures to have any hope of defending their league crown. The title holders’ grip on the trophy loosened after a 2-0 defeat at Dundee United on Sunday, plighting them five points behind leaders Hearts and two behind second placed Rangers. And experienced McGregor calls on composure from everyone from a Celtic standpoint. The 32-year-old said: “We know where we are and I think now is the time for calm heads. “I get that it is emotional, people will be emotional and angry about the result, none more so than the players. It’s their life, what they give to the game and what they give to the club. “But in a time like this, you need to be calm. We have been here many, many times.” It is the eighth time Celtic have suffered defeat in the league this season, and no team have ever won the league with as many losses inflicted. McGregor believes however that the league is still there to be won. “You don’t want to lose football games, but there is still so much football to be played. “The top five teams are really competitive, so there’s points to play for there. “We’ll see if we need to win them all [remaining fixtures] or not, but I think we have to go on a run. “Certainly, you’ve got to win at least five or six to have a good chance.” Celtic’s title hopes hang in the balance of a unique three-horse-race, and McGregor feels that his club’s drop in standard is the reason for the title tug-of-war being so tight this campaign. “I think we’ve probably manufactured it ourselves a wee bit, if I’m being honest. “Now there’s a big challenge. We’ve had tight ones over the years, but probably only two teams going for it. “Now there’s obviously three and you have to be competitive in every game.” Celtic’s next fixture is another trip to Dundee after the International break, facing the dark blue side of Tannadice Street in a game which could see the Glasgow giants lose their fourth game in the city of Dundee this season.

March 24, 2026

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