Celtic

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Former Celtic captain Roy Aitken believes the club are peaking at the right time as they aim for their fifth Premiership title in a row.

Aitken captained the side in 1986 when the title race went down to the final day and Celtic were able to pip Hearts to glory on goal difference.

Now Celtic, currently a point behind before tonight's visit to Motherwell, are aiming to set up a final-day decider with the table-topping Tynecastle men, who host Falkirk.

Hearts had their first post-split slip-up at Motherwell last weekend, drawing 1-1, while Celtic's derby victory over Rangers extended their winning streak to six games.

"That year in 1986 we went eight games on the trot winning," Aitken told BBC Radio Scotland.

"It was only two points for a win as well. The fact Celtic have closed that gap on Hearts in the last few weeks, Celtic have momentum."

If Celtic get the title over the line it would be O'Neill's fourth as the club's manager and Aitken suggests the Northern Irishman would regard it as one of the sweetest.

"I think Martin would have it up there with his triumphs of the past," he added.

"Celtic have gone through a little bit of turmoil this season and had Martin stayed on during the period they had Wilfried Nancy, they might be in a totally different position.

"Celtic were given no chance during the course of this season, it's only now they're in the mix. It's been a fantastic achievement for him.

"He's a wily old fox, he's been there and done it before. He knows exactly what it's required. Celtic have momentum at the right time."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

In the wake of Celtic's derby victory over Rangers, my mind wandered to the traditional gift for someone celebrating their 21st: the 'key to the door'.

It's possible, of course, honorary entry to Parkhead had already been granted to Martin O'Neill after his first spell in charge in the early 2000s produced three league titles, two near misses by a point and a goal respectively and a Uefa Cup final in Seville.

If not, that key may very well be presented shortly. O'Neill has steered Celtic to within three seismic games of the most unlikely league and cup double arguably in the club's entire history.

Brief pause for reflection, therefore, is now warranted. Twenty one years after he thought he had bid a permanent farewell to Glasgow's East End, the Northern Irishman has just celebrated his 21st Premiership game of this season for the ages. A milestone that, especially at the grand old age of 74, deserves a ceremonial bauble.

And here's why: the league statistics alone underline O'Neill's massive contribution. Played 21, won 17, drawn 2, lost 2. Put another way, 53 points claimed from a possible 63.

A Premiership win ratio of 81%. Derek McInnes has had Hearts at the top of the table since late September. On a win rate of 64% (admittedly from a larger sample size of 36 games). The same, curiously, as Danny Rohl at Rangers after 18 victories from his 28 Premiership games since arriving in October.

Let's assume for the purposes of argument that O'Neill gets the two wins he needs to overtake Hearts at the summit and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. 1986, anyone?

It would leave the former Leicester manager's total points tally at 59 from a possible 69 in 23 games across two spells. In 60% of Celtic's season, in other words, O'Neill would be responsible for a whopping 72% of the club's points.

One can but wonder how much easier things would have been had O'Neill not been asked to vacate the hotseat for Wilfried Nancy's chaotic month-long experiment late last year.

For the record, Celtic shipped 12 of the 18 points available to the Frenchman while his predecessor Brendan Rodgers took 17 from the first nine games before his shock resignation.

That O'Neill has been able to emerge from both periods of relative chaos and in-fighting to mount a credible challenge to the pace-setters from Gorgie is an achievement in itself.

He is one more win away (and a draw may even be enough) from setting up a winner-takes-all decider with Hearts on Saturday.

Whether it's a big pat on the back, a statue or the keys to Celtic Park, O'Neill surely deserves recognition if his renowned man-management and motivational skills give such an extraordinary season the last-day drama it deserves.

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Benjamin Nygren insists belief and confidence is high at resurgent Celtic as they look to come out of the final two Premiership fixtures as champions.

Celtic moved within one point of Hearts with a convincing 3-1 win over Old Firm rivals Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday.

Martin O'Neill's side travel to Motherwell on Wednesday before hosting the Jambos on Saturday.

Sweden midfielder Nygren, who has scored 20 goals for Celtic this season, claimed belief is "very strong" among his team-mates.

"I've believed the whole time, and you have to do that," he said. "We've had a lot of confidence, especially in the last couple of games. We've been very good and very strong, so we're going for it.

"I've felt the confidence in the group and in the squad the whole season, and I think we've showed so many times when we've been down in some games that we've kept believing and kept going for it.

"I think the hunger of winning is at max level and we're hunting in every game, and we're putting so much pressure on the opponent in every game - it's been very good."

Nygren claimed self-confidence did not waver following the 2-0 defeat by Dundee United at Tannadice in March, which left Celtic five points behind leaders Hearts.

They've won six games in all competitions since, including a Scottish Cup semi-final over St Mirren which sets them up for a showdown against former Celtic manager Neil Lennon and his Dunfermline side in the final later in the month.

"That's the mindset you need to have," Nygren added. "You always have to believe in anything and have confidence that you're going to win, and that you're going to turn it around, otherwise it's a lot more difficult to do it."

Lech Poznan have made a cut-price £2m offer for Celtic winger Luis Palma after the 26-year-old's loan spell with the Polish club. (The National), external

Shin Yamada is on his way back to Celtic from the 25-year-old striker's loan spell with Preussen Munster as head coach Alois Schwartz plans a squad overhaul following their relegation to Germany's third tier. (The Herald), external

Celtic, Fulham and Rangers have made initial enquiries about winger Cameron Ashia, while Burnley, Cardiff City, Hoffenheim, Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Stuttgart have registered an interest in the 21-year-old who could be available for as little as £500,000 despite Huddersfield Town taking an option to extend his contract by a further year. (Daily Mail), external

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has emerged as a target for a number of Premier League clubs as the 28-year-old edges towards a move away from Glasgow this summer. (Football Insider), external

Celtic passed on signing Lewis Ferguson before the Scotland midfielder was sold for £2.5m by Aberdeen to Bologna in 2022 because they felt he was not good enough at penalty kicks, according to the 26-year-old's agent. (Glasgow Times), external

Frosinone general manager Pietro Doronzo says forward Fares Ghedjemis' transfer value has doubled since Celtic decided the Serie B club's asking price for the 23-year-old was too steep in January. (Daily Record), external

Kieran McKenna is committed to managing Ipswich Town after their promotion to the Premier League and will snub any advances from Celtic, Crystal Palace or Fulham this summer. (Football Insider), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Tino
Fan writer

Have you ever seen anything like it?

A goal befitting any occasion. But one that just happened to be the winner in arguably Celtic's biggest game of the season (or at least our biggest game so far).

And one that may turn out to be the scorer's last significant contribution to a Glasgow derby that he has now featured in 26 times over an incredible four-and-a-half-year spell in Glasgow.

Like everyone else I'm of course talking about Daizen Maeda's wonder goal from Sunday's 3-1 win over Rangers, a strike I've now watched literally dozens of times, and from every conceivable angle.

And while I don't think many of us thought we would be asking the question, 'Best since Larsson?' when it comes to Maeda, it is a debate that's now doing the rounds - at least in terms of whether or not his goal on Sunday is up there with the legendary striker's chip over Stefan Klos way back in August 2000.

And what perhaps makes it all the more spectacular is it came from a player who, for all his brilliance, has never really been defined by moments like this.

Maeda's game has always been about chaos, energy, intensity and relentless running. It's been about closing defenders down, making impossible recoveries and dragging Celtic forward through sheer force of will.

But this? This was a work of art. The touch to set it up, the awareness to shift the angle and then the finish itself - angled beyond Jack Butland and into the top corner in front of a full house at Celtic Park.

It was one of those moments where time seemed to stand still, before absolute bedlam erupted all around the stadium.

And the timing of it gave it even more significance. Celtic simply had to win.

When Martin O'Neill side have needed someone to step up in recent weeks, Maeda has been that man. Goals, assists, endless running and now that moment.

And perhaps that's why supporters have taken this one so personally. Because Maeda isn't just admired by the Celtic support - he's adored. A modern-day cult hero.

He represents everything fans want to see in a Celtic player. Total commitment. Total honesty. Total fight.

So while comparisons with Larsson will always feel almost impossible to fully entertain, what Maeda produced on Sunday was unquestionably one of the great modern derby goals.

A goal for the moment. A goal for the title race. And a goal we'll be talking about for decades to come.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

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On-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh is ineligible for Motherwell while fellow centre-back Paul McGinn remains out along with Jordan McGhee, Eythor Bjorgolfsson and Zach Robinson.

Andy Halliday is out but Lukas Fadinger returns after becoming a father.

Celtic are still without Jota (knee), Colby Donovan (hamstring), Julian Araujo (thigh), Kasper Schmeichel (shoulder), Tomas Cvancara (groin) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles).

Callum Osmand is getting closer to fitness following hamstring surgery.

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Martin O'Neill is experiencing familiar feelings of nerves and excitement as he bids to crown his third spell in charge with a league and cup double.

The 74-year-old Northern Irishman was a huge success as Parkhead boss from 2000-2005, winning seven trophies – including three Premiership titles – and reaching the 2003 Uefa Cup final.

Now in his second interim stint this season, O'Neill's side - who will face Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final later this month - are a point behind leaders Hearts with two games to go thanks to last weekend's derby success over Rangers.

Before the penultimate fixture on Wednesday night against Motherwell at Fir Park, O'Neill was asked to compare his feelings to his first spell in charge.

The former Nottingham Forest, Norwich and Northern Ireland player said: "Pretty much the same, to tell you the truth.

"I can't remember, but the anxiety wouldn't be that much different.

"And it's good that I feel this way, because I've always felt that.

"I felt this as a player, although the thing I always felt as a player is, you could do something about it.

"I've always felt the same as a manager and then you're depending on players for your living after that.

"And so the same sort of nervousness, the same sort of excitement, all those type of things still exist with me even at my age."

Celtic's title bid hung in the balance after a 2-0 defeat at Dundee United in March left them five points adrift of Hearts.

But the reigning champions have won six games in a row in all competitions since and are putting pressure on Derek McInnes' side, who face Falkirk on Wednesday before heading to Celtic Park on Saturday.

O'Neill said: "We've got some players who are in really good form, which is the most important thing.

"I think there's a good connection with the team and the fans. I think that's been an important issue.

"They've known for some weeks, particularly after the game at Dundee United, that there was no room for mistakes.

"And that's hard to keep going every single game because there'll be a match where you might actually dominate, you might not score in that period and another team might break away and find themselves 1-0 up.

"For instance, on Sunday, we started off strongly and the game was helter-skelter and Rangers score and it sets us back.

"But we come rolling back into the game, scoring a couple of goals after half-time, one of them being a fantastic goal which gives us that big boost of confidence that's so important at this stage."

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Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill has been speaking to the media prior to Wednesday's crucial Scottish Premiership encounter at Motherwell.

Here are the key lines:

• O'Neill says Sunday's win against Rangers has provided the team with a "big boost of confidence" heading into the trip to Fir Park. However, he says the derby joy "really has gone now" and his side face "a major task" on Wednesday.

• "If we win our two games, easier said than done, we win [the league]," he adds. "We would have got long odds about that a number of weeks ago, certainly a few months ago. So from that viewpoint, we have to try to win, and that will not be easy."

• O'Neill says Celtic clicking at the right time has been helped by "some players who are playing in really good form" and he feels "there's a good connection with the team now and the fans".

• "Celtic Park on Sunday was kind of a reminiscent of my old days," he adds. "That's been great. But when we've gone away from home, we've won some big matches as well."

• O'Neill hails the teams "resilience" and "character" after putting six straight wins together following a defeat at Dundee United. He says if someone offered him Celtic's current position after that loss at Tannadice, he "would have accepted that".

• On Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou, who has been linked with taking over at Celtic this summer, O'Neill says: "I think he's done really well, really well. He deserves a lot of applause."

• "They play a really nice brand of football and they still want to try to qualify for Europe," he adds. "But essentially, they're not playing under that sort of pressure at Motherwell. You can do this, and you can play, and you can lose some matches and still have a really good season. It doesn't happen at this club."

• On where a potential league and cup double this season would rank among his achievements, he says: "For the number of games we've played or will play, when Shaun [Maloney], Mark [Fotheringham] and myself got together, both spells, I think we will have played 23 league games. That's difficult to win in a 38-game season.

• "So that would be, if we could do it, and we are seriously light years away from that. You might say it's two games, but we're light years away from that. Then you'd have to put things into context after that. But that's for another day, and it might not even be for any day."

• On the power of supporter unity, O'Neill adds: "The crowd have been really, really big. When the crowd have been different, let's put it that way, to begin with, and throwing things on to the pitch, I didn't think that helped anybody. I think it's a combination of us winning some football matches, trying to get together, and some sort of accord between the board and the fans. I think all combinations of those things have been terrific, really terrific."

• O'Neill has no team news to report. He points out that right-back Alistair Johnston is yet to complete a game since his return from injury but says "he's done really fine".

• Motherwell's 2-0 win in December was their first in 21 home games against Celtic in all competitions (D4 L16) since winning successive Fir Park matches against them in February/April 2013.

• Celtic have lost only one of their past 37 meetings with Motherwell in all competitions (W31 D5), also failing to score just once in their latest 27 against the Steelmen.

• Including the curtailed 2019-20 campaign, Motherwell have won their final home league game in seven of the past nine seasons (L2), beating Kilmarnock 3-0 last year.

• Celtic won their final away league game in both 2023-24 (5-0 v Kilmarnock) and 2024-25 (5-1 v Aberdeen), but haven't done so in three successive seasons since 1994-95 to 1996-97.

• Tawanda Maswanhise has scored nine home goals for Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership this season. The last player to reach double figures for the Steelmen was Kevin van Veen in 2022-23 (10), while the last to score more than 10 was David Turnbull in 2018-19 (12).

Rangers legend Kris Boyd has predicted Celtic will win the league ahead of Hearts, but only if Martin O'Neill's side beat Motherwell on Wednesday. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

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Auston Trusty credited an "insane" atmosphere for Celtic's crucial derby win over Rangers on Sunday.

Martin O'Neill's side came from a goal down to win 3-1 and move to within a point of Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

And the American defender believes their current momentum could result in a "magical" end to the season.

"Obviously Champions League nights here are incredible, but that atmosphere was insane. It was so insane," Trusty said.

"It really helped us. It's everything. It's everything we need.

"We need to do our part, but as an organisation, as a club, everyone's playing a part – and the fans, definitely, truly played a part in this win. This is the best atmosphere I've ever played in.

"It makes a big difference. The big draw with Celtic is the history and the club itself. But, obviously, the fanbase too. Knowing that 60,000 people are going to be cheering you on.

"The atmosphere's just insane. It really does play a big part. Drawing players in but also when you're actually here playing the games – it's like 'wow, this is incredible'. Playing Celtic versus Rangers like this, it's just incredible."

Celtic trailed Hearts by six points when Martin O'Neill returned for a second interim spell of the season in January.

They stuttered before the international break, but five straight wins have put them within touching distance of the Tynecastle side, who they host on the final day of the league season.

"I don't think we've ever stopped believing," Trusty said. "We've always had the mindset that it's been within our grasp. But with the momentum we have now, I would say it can be really magical."

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Hearts' Claudio Braga could win an awards double after he was shortlisted for the Scottish Football Writers' Association player of the year award.

The Portuguese forward is nominated alongside teammate Lawrence Shankland and Motherwell duo Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise.

The manager of the year award could also go to Tynecastle or Fir Park, with Derek McInnes and Jens Berthel Askou both nominated.

Falkirk boss John McGlynn and Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill are also on the shortlist.

Four Scottish players are in the running for young player of the year - Falkirk striker Barney Stewart, Kilmarnock's on-loan Rangers winger Findlay Curtis, Dundee defender Luke Graham and Dunfermline's Andrew Tod.

The winners will be announced on Sunday, 17 May.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Kieran O'Hara - Dundee

A clean sheet and a penalty save as Dundee safeguarded their Premiership status.

Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock

A star showing from Curtis with two huge goals over fellow relegation rivals St Mirren.

Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell

What a block to deny Lawrence Shankland. Gave everything for the Motherwell cause.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

There feels like there is so much more impetus about Celtic ever since the international break. Seasoned campaigners like Tierney have really come to the fore as Celtic make their final charge to defend their title. An assist for Maeda's first goal.

Jordan Obita - Hibernian

On the scoresheet in what was a big away win at the Falkirk Stadium.

Josh Campbell - Hibernian

Two well taken goals on the way to a big result which keeps alive Hibs hopes of catching Motherwell.

Callum McGregor - Celtic

A captain's performance as the Celtic leader marshalled his teammates to great effect throughout a potentially pivotal Old Firm victory.

Cam Congreve - Dundee

Another goal for the consistently excellent Welsh international on loan from Swansea.

Toyosi Olusanya - Aberdeen

Finally, his first goal for Aberdeen. Big moment for the former St Mirren man.

Lawrence Shankland - Hearts

Denied by O'Donnell, but you don't keep the Hearts captain down for long. When the next chance came along there was never any doubt Shankland would find the net. Could be a huge goal.

Daizen Maeda - Celtic

In a decidedly mixed season, Maeda was outstanding in the Old Firm derby. Time seemed to stand still as his stupendous overhead kick looped into the net behind Jack Butland. Maeda never stood still throughout this match, his energy levels saw him chase down Rangers players throughout. Two goals on the day and six goals in four games. Coming to the boil at just the right time.

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Darren O'Dea believes Celtic are peaking at the perfect time as they attempt to reel in Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The defending champions trail the Tynecastle outfit by one point with two matches to play after they came from behind to beat Rangers 3-1 on Sunday.

They host Hearts on the final day of the season, but first travel to Motherwell on Wednesday.

Celtic have turned to Martin O'Neill as interim manager twice this season after Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy left and the veteran Northern Irishman has navigated difficulties both on and off the pitch.

"Celtic have been criticised for their performances and recruitment but something that has gone under the radar is the really big players missing through injury," O'Dea said, talking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Carter-Vickers, Jota and the two that have come back in – Johnston and Engels.

"Some players need time to get back up to speed, but you can see how they have instantly impacted the team.

"I haven't felt fully confident with Celtic all season because the performance levels haven't been there. The one thing you can never question is their mentality and their ability to get things done.

"But the performance against Rangers was a really good level, especially after going behind early.

"And now there is a good synergy with the team and the crowd at Celtic Park again.

"When you start adding these ingredients, it's starting to come together at exactly the right time.

"If they can get to that last game against Hearts and make it essentially a final, I fully expect Celtic to go and win. Even if it goes to goal difference, I can see them overcoming that, winning two or three nil."

We asked for your thoughts after Celtic came from behind to beat Rangers and boost their title hopes.

Here's what some of you had to say:

David: Just WOW, simple as that. I thought the football match was a great advert for Scottish football. IF we can get the three points on Wednesday then I truly believe we will retain the league title, but Motherwell be be a tough one. Keep the faith.

Sinclair: Where did that performance come from? Dominant and dangerous apart from the first 15 minutes or so. Fir Park is a massive massive game now, hopefully we can take Sunday into Wednesday. No longer needing a snooker, just need to clear the table to win. Truthfully, it's ill-deserved but we will take it!

John: Probably the best performance from Celtic in this tumultuous season. Topped off with a piece of individual brilliance - a goal Celtic fans will play back over and over for years to come. But there are still two massive games to go. A win against Motherwell will take everything through to the final match of the season and a winner-takes-all game that hasn't been seen in a generation. Exciting days ahead.

Thomas: Finally, this Celtic team behave like the champions they are. The goal from Daizen Maeda is why people go to football matches, simply unforgettable.

Jimmy: Martin O'Neill's first Old Firm had Larsson's chip. His last (probably) had Maeda's overhead kick. What a way to begin and end.

John: A great victory. Still grinding the results out. It was a better display today. Two more cup finals and this would be the best league win in the past decade for Celtic. It's not going to be easy but still got a chance. Positive thinking from all the Celtic fans!

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Hearts are planning to hold talks with Birmingham City over a permanent move for on-loan midfielder Marc Leonard as they aim to beat Celtic to a deal for the 24-year-old. (Football Insider), external

Celtic have opened talks to sign forward Aaron Malouda from Azerbaijani outfit Sabah, with Sampdoria also keen on the 20-year-old Frenchman. (L'Equipe - in French), external

Robbie Keane hints at staying with Ferencvaros in Hungary next season amid ongoing links with the Celtic manager's job. (Scottish Sun), external

Celtic could be set to miss out on signing Soufiane El-Faouzi after Sunderland joined the race to sign the 23-year-old Schalke midfielder. (Football Insider), external