Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admits his preparations for Sunday’s Old Firm showdown with Rangers have been sharpened after a morale-boosting European night gave him plenty to ponder.
Rotating heavily on the continent, O’Neill made eight changes as Celtic edged a 1-0 win over Stuttgart at the MHP Arena.
While the Hoops exited the Europa League 4-2 on aggregate, the victory marked a historic first triumph on German soil and arrived at a perfect moment ahead of the trip to Ibrox.
One of the standout stories came between the posts, where goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo seized his chance and forced his manager into some welcome selection dilemmas.
“I thought he [Sinisalo] did really well, really well, in the game,” O’Neill said.
“I’m delighted for him, he’s a lovely lad.
“Everybody did well in the match. It gives me food for thought. Of course it does, absolutely. It’s not as if we’ve played some 16-year-olds. The players have all played, but some have played less football than others in recent times.
“I thought everybody came out with flying colours.”
From kickoff to final whistle, Celtic played with intensity and belief, traits O’Neill was keen to highlight despite the European exit.
“I genuinely thought we could do it [qualify], but I might be asking a lot.
“We’re playing a very, very good side. A side, from my viewpoint here, capable of winning the competition.
“But I couldn’t be more pleased with the team, couldn’t be more pleased with attitude and desire.”
Now, the focus shifts domestically as Celtic head into the weekend buoyed by confidence and competition for places.
With Rangers waiting across the city, O’Neill’s biggest challenge may be choosing the right blend to carry that European momentum into the Old Firm cauldron.
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