Celtic

Tino
Fan writer

Call me entitled, but despite two wins from two, it doesn't feel like the last couple of results have done a great deal overall to change the mood around Celtic.

Besiktas was dramatic, and an enjoyable win in the end. Kilmarnock was much less glamorous, and though it was important to get the win, I'd argue the nature of the victory felt like an opportunity lost in terms of building some much-needed momentum going into the break.

However, wins are wins, and what these latest ones do, at the very least, is give everyone a bit of breathing space, for a couple of weeks at least.

For the players - at least those not away on international duty - it's a chance to reset after what's felt like a fairly intense schedule.

It also allows further rehab and recovery for the likes of Jota and Alistair Johnston, while we'll all be hoping Mika Baur's injury isn't as bad as first feared.

For Martin O'Neill too, it feels like the break is much needed. Wins will always take some pressure off, but we'll be looking for far more than just two in a row when we get back to it against St Mirren and Torreense in quick succession later this month.

For me, however, the interesting thing now is what the manager and his coaches do with this newfound space, because many of the same questions will still be waiting for them on our return.

How do we get the best out of record signing Kasper Hogh? Likewise, Haissam Hassan, who disappeared from the weekend's squad?

Is Sam Johnstone now our fixed first-choice goalkeeper?

How will we address the concerning number of shots we face from the edge of the box?

And just what is our style of play and overall approach? Because that's been one of the biggest mysteries of all.

And so, for all these reasons and more, that's why I actually think this international break might be more important for the coaching staff than it is for the players.

Yes, the players need rest, recovery and to come back with fresh legs. Maybe fresh mindsets too.

But for O'Neill and Shaun Maloney, they now have a rare bit of time to actually sit down and work things out without the pressure of another game arriving every few days or so.

What have they learned from the last few weeks?

Has Benji Nygren's recent form given food for thought, and could we see a midfield shuffle?

Should Callum Osmand - a player with a goal contribution every 57 minutes as a Celtic player - be given a far bigger role?

Does Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have a part to play at all? And just where are we with Sebastian Tounekti?

These are the kind of questions that need clearer answers when the team comes back.

Because two wins are welcome, but they shouldn't be mistaken for proof that everything's suddenly fine again.

The problems haven't disappeared. They've just become a little easier to discuss because Celtic managed to pick up a couple of results.

And maybe that's exactly what this break should be used for.

Not celebration of any great note. Not a glance at the Scottish Premiership table to admire our place at the top.

But reflection on what needs to be done to get this side back to the levels I'm convinced they're more than capable of.

Celtic have bought themselves a little bit of time. And so now the challenge is making sure they actually do something with it.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

Celtic midfielder Mika Baur, 22, is out of the Germany Under-21s squad after picking up an ankle injury in the weekend win over Kilmarnock. (Herald - subscription required, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Celtic defender Liam Scales believes Kasper Hogh's "amazing attitude" will see the Danish striker through his barren spell in front of goal.

Hogh has failed to score in 17 of his 18 Celtic matches since joining for a club-record £11m fee in the summer.

The former Bodo/Glimt man had a goal disallowed in Saturday's 1-0 win against Kilmarnock before centre-back Scales scored the winner.

It was Scales' third goal of the season, matching Hogh's tally.

"He's been brilliant," Scales said. "He keeps doing the right things and eventually it will fall for him.

"He was so unlucky with his goal being ruled out. And he told me he was right behind me with the goal I scored. If I'd known that I might have left it.

"It will fall for him. He's a goalscorer and a good player. His all-round game was brilliant, he held the ball up really well.

"He's just been unlucky. But his attitude has been brilliant. If he keeps doing the right things it will work out for him.

"He has an amazing attitude and that's why I really believe he will be successful."

We asked for your views after Celtic restored their four-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a narrow win over Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Robert: Jekyll and Hyde Celtic yet again. Dismal match. Miserable 1-0 result.

Grant: I thought Kasper Hogh had a good game overall, with some nice hold-up play. It was a tough game, without much excitement from a Celtic perspective, but it's three good points in the bag!

Tony: Just win the league, no matter how ugly, and then get Kieran McKenna in. Sad to say, but it's time to drop Callum McGregor.

Paul: Another hugely underwhelming win from an underperforming Celtic team, displaying their abject failure to raise their game against a team at the bottom of the league in Kilmarnock, who nearly equalised in the final minutes to snatch a draw. Celtic squandered several chances to score, including an abjectly poor penalty from Benjamin Nygren to seal the victory. However, there's still much more work to be done in the coming weeks by this underperforming Celtic team, who are in a false position at the top of the league table.

Arthur: I don't know what game Martin O'Neill watched, but we struggled. Is Liam Scales a defender or what? When he's upfield, he leaves a hole in the defence. He gets far more touches than anybody else. Why?

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Manager Martin O'Neill is nervous about midfielder Mika Baur's injury picked up in Celtic's 1-0 win over Kilmarnock. (Record - subscription required, external)

O'Neill explained winger Haissem Hassan missed Sunday's game because of "manoeuvring". (Herald - subscription required, external)

And O'Neill would not have asked Kasper Hogh to take the penalty missed by Benjamin Nygren against Killie, even if the forward had still been on the pitch. (Scotsman - subscription required, external)

Monday's Scottish gossip

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Manager Martin O'Neill emphasised his faith in Kasper Hogh after the striker thought he had ended his goal drought in the narrow victory over Kilmarnock.

The Danish international has now gone 16 games without scoring but had celebrated after sweeping the ball home early on, only for his effort to be disallowed after a VAR intervention.

Soon after, he had a shot saved by the leg of Nico Mantl, while he was denied by a brilliant block from MJ Kamson-Kamara in the second half as Celtic pushed to add to Liam Scales' breakthrough volley.

"I thought Kasper was off the mark for about 35 seconds," said O'Neill. "I think he would maybe have scored the next chance if the first had counted, but he worked really hard for us."

Mantl saved Benjamin Nygren's penalty moments after Hogh was substituted on 71 minutes.

"I wouldn't have asked him to take it," O'Neill added. "He might have missed. We missed it anyway.

"In front of goal it's difficult, but he worked exceptionally hard, as he did on Thursday [in the 3-2 Europa League win over Besiktas]. Things will come. He thought he'd broken the spell. His hold-up play is much better now.

"If you have the crowd behind you, they feel as if you're working hard, then they'll forgive other things.

"It won't last forever, strikers live and die by their goals, but he feels we all believe in him in the dressing room, which is very encouraging."

Hogh had finished off a fine move, which had started with Mika Baur taking the ball from Greg Kiltie. However, referee John Beaton ruled the German's challenge a foul after a quick look at a replay.

O'Neill said: "I haven't seen it back because the screen is too small for me to see. The lads thought it was touch and go."

The veteran manager added: "It was a tough afternoon. We could never put the game to bed and Kilmarnock were always in the game. They played exceptionally well at times.

"But we saw it through and after the effort on Thursday I probably wasn't surprised we didn't have the same driving energy through the game."

Celtic got the job done at home to Kilmarnock but could not find a second goal to make it a more comfortable afternoon.

Read the match report

Have your say

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Striker Callum Osmand says Celtic Park must be "terrifying" for opponents when supporters are in full voice.

The forward's substitution against Besiktas on Thursday night helped inspire Martin O'Neill's side to a first Europa League victory of the season.

Celtic were trailing 1-0 in the second half before the introduction of Osmand and fellow striker Camilo Duran.

Osmand scored with his first touch and set up Duran for the second before the Colombian added a third after Celtic had been pegged back again.

"You feel it, the crowd erupts and they really lift you," Osmand said of the atmosphere midweek.

"It's incredible. When you've got Celtic Park like that, I feel for the opposition. They must be terrified because it lifts all of us and we're so grateful for them.

"And the support when it gets like that is unmatched. It's a great place to play and hopefully we can see more of those moments."

Celtic return to domestic action when they host Kilmarnock on Sunday and can ill-afford to slip up after last weekend's defeat to Falkirk.

"I completely understand what it means to people," the 20-year-old said.

"It's a huge club and we want to be at the top and that's what we strive to do.

"We know we need to be better at times, but I think it is just building off the good moments and learning from the bad and that's all you can ask for. As long as we're improving and getting better, that's all you can really ask for.

"It is important to make sure everyone's tight, especially when it's going bad. That's the main bit.

"Obviously, it's a lot tougher for everyone when it's not as good because the confidence, we might not be playing as forward as we should, and we all know that.

"But when the confidence comes and we're just free-flowing, then everyone feels a lot better and we just need to keep building on it."

• No side has recovered more points from losing positions in the Scottish Premiership this season than Celtic (seven), while no side has lost more from winning positions than Kilmarnock (seven).

• Kilmarnock are winless in 22 visits to Celtic in all competitions (D4 L18) since a 2-0 league victory in October 2012.

• Kilmarnock's tally of nine points is their lowest after 12 games of a Premiership season since 2017-18, when they had eight at this stage.

• Celtic have won their past eight league meetings with Kilmarnock, last winning more in a row in April 2007 (16).

• Celtic have only lost one of their past 11 home league games (W9 D1), a 1-0 defeat by Rangers in September.

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Winger Yang Hyun-jun could feature for Celtic after a hamstring injury, but Alistair Johnston remains out through injury and fellow defender Auston Trusty following the loss of his father.

Kilmarnock were without defender Johnly Yfeko and midfielders Mark O'Hara and Bailey Rice last weekend, while goalkeeper Max Stryjek is a long-term absentee due to a knee injury.

Former Celtic centre-half Ramon Vega has already reached out to the Scottish FA to support his bid to oust the controversial Gianni Infantino as president of world governing body Fifa. (The Herald, external)

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

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Midfielder Mika Baur hailed Celtic's "unbelievable" victory against Besiktas and believes it sets a new standard for the team.

Substitutes Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand changed the game for Celtic, as they came from 1-0 down to eventually triumph 3-2.

It was a much-needed win for Celtic's Europa League hopes as they registered their first win at the fourth attempt.

German Baur, who was a standout in the hard-fought victory, said: "The second half was pure heart, pure fight.

"I've not been here for a long time but I think that's what Celtic are all about and we showed that in the second half, the whole game. This win feels unbelievable because we deserved it, we fight for it."

Celtic had only won three of their previous 10 matches in all competitions and manager Martin O'Neill and his squad faced increasing scrutiny of their performances.

The microscope was particularly on their European campaign, as Celtic stared at a club record fifth straight defeat in continental competition before O'Neill's triple substitution after an hour against Besiktas.

"The team is really really close together," Baur explained.

"We know we had a tough couple of weeks but you can feel it in the training sessions, how the team is working together. The feeling, the believing is always there and so it was today on the pitch as well.

"We want consistency, but we should look match for match. But we know what we're capable of now, we know what we can do, how we can fight, how our game can look and that's what we have to show week for week, every three days."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

Celtic's Callum Osmand says it was a "surreal" feeling to score with his first touch and help inspire his team to a comeback win against Besiktas.

The 20-year-old netted the equaliser just 43 seconds after coming on, and also set up one of Camilo Duran's two goals.

His impact transformed the atmosphere at Celtic Park, and his team's performance, and Osmand says as a young player he is still processing the experience of featuring in big games.

"It's a really surreal feeling still," Osmand said.

"I haven't played a lot of football, but these moments just seem to be getting better and better. I love the sort of feeling that I get from it and hopefully I can keep getting that feeling."

Osmand has been played out wide by Martin O'Neill this season as the Celtic manager searches for his best team.

However, Osmand was signed as a striker and believes that is still his main position but is keen to be as adaptable as possible to help the team.

"If someone asked me where I play, I'd say striker, but when I play striker, sometimes I'll drift out anyway, so I don't mind playing on the wing," he said.

"I just want to base my game around any of the front three and I think that just gives me another element to my game. I really love playing on the wing as well, so wherever I can get on the pitch."

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We asked for your views after Celtic earned their first Europa League win of the season by edging out Besiktas 3-2 in a thriller.

Here are some of your comments:

Patrick: It didn't look good during the first half, from team selection to tactics we were all over the place. Good second-half reaction, good subs, now we must take this momentum into Sunday against Killie.

Neil: Great comeback, the subs made the difference. Mika Baur is becoming a great addition, small in stature with heart of a lion. Delighted for Martin O'Neill, he needed this result. Let's hope this gives the team a lift and we progress going forward. Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran were fantastic.

Mark: Amazing what can happen when you play with heart, intensity and forward momentum. We have a sprinkling of talented players, willing to play on the front but they are hamstrung by the weaker members of the squad and poor coaching.

William: With that starting line-up the only way they were going to win game was with stronger players coming off the bench.

Jimmy: Top European teams feature youth players. Callum Osmand has the goal-scoring skills of a young Jimmy Greaves. O'Neill shouldn't sideline his talent. Too many of Celtic's big-money signings have been over-25 misfits who are blocking youth development.

Brian: Not exactly a 90-minute performance, but credit due to the subs who dragged us to the victory. I'm not sure if this result will help the players realise that playing at a faster pace and passing the ball forward rather than this constant sideways and backwards is necessary when trying to put the opposition under pressure, and that the slowing the tempo allows the opposition to cut down available space. We need to play our best 11 from the start.

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• Camilo Duran became the first substitute to score two goals in major European competition for Celtic since Johannes Edvaldsson against Jeunesse d'Esch in the European Cup in September 1977.

• Celtic are the second team to win a Europa League match this season having conceded the opening goal in the second half, after Celta Vigo who did so against the Hoops in matchday three (2-1).

• Celtic had just one shot in the first half (0 on target), their fewest attempts in the opening 45 minutes of a Europa League home game since December 2018 against Salzburg (also 1).

• Aged 20 years 362 days, Callum Osmand is the youngest player to score in major European competition for Celtic since Liel Abada (20 yrs 32d) in November 2021, against Ferencvaros in the Europa League.

• There were 43 seconds between Osmand coming on as a substite and scoring with his first touch.

• Besiktas lost a European away game despite scoring two goals for the first time since September 2019, a 4-2 Europa League defeat against Slovan Bratislava.

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill: "It's a relief we've got off the mark and we've got some points on the board. The game was pretty difficult but we came through it with flying colours.

"I just said to the team they were a credit to the football club, you can't get a bigger accolade than that. We could've caved in after the penalty goes in but we came roaring back and the subs made a big difference. We've got a lot of pace up front but I was just delighted with the whole team.

"I didn't notice the frustration in the stands, I thought the crowd were brilliant for us. I think they want to see us as much as possible on the front foot, so I think we got re-energised from the subs coming on. It might just give us a platform now.

"I thought it was a terrific win in every aspect. I thought we played some lovely stuff and they're a really fine team. The character shone through in the team no question about that.

"Some of these lads who've been at the club for a long time and been big winners at the club really came to the fore. It's hard to single people out, but [Kieran] Tierney was fantastic for us, the back four did really well. Colby [Donovan] coming on to a game, he's got massive heart and wee Mika Baur was fantastic for us as well.

"You have to score at the top end of the pitch and [Callum] Osmand came on, first touch put the ball in the net and that's really difficult. [Camilo] Duran has been fabulous for us all season no matter where he plays.

"We've played nine games in 25 days, some players needed a breather. I'm going to say that was our plan and those players were going to come on the pitch at some point in the game.

"I'm delighted Duran got his goals and if you're talking about knowing your best side he would be in it. Duran is a class player.

"I think this will boost our confidence now, we have a tough game on Sunday then the international break, but to win the European game tonight is great. The European games are tough but we came through that test and that's a big boost."

Substitutes Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran inspired Celtic to their first Europa League win of the season, a chaotic comeback victory against Turkish giants Besiktas.

Read our match report

Have your say

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Celtic have confirmed they will host an in-person AGM on Tuesday, 1 December, with interim chairman Brian Wilson saying shareholders "have every right to be heard, to challenge, to question and to be given information and explanations".

Last year's AGM was abandoned when shareholders jeered Ross Desmond - son of major shareholder Dermot Desmond - for accusing some fans of being "bullies".

Wilson said this year's meeting - which will again be held at Celtic Park - will have a facility to "resume remotely at a later date" should there be "disruption" after a series of changes to the club's Articles of Association - the first since 2011.

"The shareholders have every right to be heard, to challenge, to question and to be given information and explanations," Wilson told Celtic TV.

"That is the point of an AGM and it's one of the reasons why I just hope that this time the AGM will run its full course.

"It is very much our intention that the business will be done live, in full, with resolutions moved, with questions asked, with questions answered, criticisms made, with challenges made.

"All of that is what we want and I think it's what the vast majority of shareholders want and that's the way it's going to be."

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Chris Sutton believes Martin O'Neill should step down as Celtic manager, with the former striker labelling the team a "mess".

O'Neill's side have suffered six defeats in their past 10 games, winning three, before the Europa League visit of Besiktas.

"The defeat at Falkirk (on Sunday) was no surprise to me," Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Domestically Celtic haven't played particularly well all season, Europe has been a disaster. They're 35th in the Europa League standings, only a team from Armenia (FC Ararat-Armenia) is below them.

"The pressure is really on. I'm just sad for Martin O'Neill where it's all turning a bit ugly.

"Yes, I would (like him to walk away). I think that would have been the right decision, but Martin feels he can do the job.

"The fans will always love Martin for what he has achieved at the club, but a lot of fans do not like the way the team are playing.

"There's a debate in every area of the team about who should be playing. Celtic are a mess at this moment in time."

Former winger Aiden McGeady, meanwhile, says Celtic need victory over Besiktas to "get some dignity and respect back" after three Europa League defeats from three.

"I think the main thing for Celtic now is trying to save a bit of face in this competition," McGeady told BBC Scotland.

"We're seeing Celtic play against Europa League teams, who I wouldn't say are fantastic, and coming up well short.

"When Martin came back in for his second spell last season it was just about getting results and winning the league and hopefully the cup, which he managed to do.

"But when you're starting a season afresh and you've got time to bed in your ideas and style of play and having a full summer of recruitment, to still be playing the same way and having performances of the likes we've seen recently is probably the most damning thing."

Cal Gilkison
BBC Sport Scotland

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Oh Hyeon-gyu will isn't the only familiar face Celtic will come up against when they host Besiktas tonight.

The Europa League tie also marks a return to Glasgow for former Rangers players Ridvan Yilmaz and Vaclav Cerny.

While ex-Celtic striker Oh is set for a warm welcome from the Parkhead crowd, Yilmaz and Cerny can expect anything but.

Cerny in particular could well face the ire of the home support, as the last time the Czech Republic winger played at Celtic Park he squirted water at Celtic fans while celebrating Hamza Igamane's late winner in a 3-2 Rangers victory in March 2025.

Besiktas' squad is littered with quality. Former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and Leandro Trossard, a Premier League winner with Arsenal last season, are both key players for the Black Eagles.

Besiktas will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record in the Europa League. They currently sit eighth in the table following a convincing 4-1 win at home to Marseille, 3-2 away victory over Hoffenheim and a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in Instanbul.

Vincenzo Italiano's side are fourth in the Turkish Super Lig, six points off leaders Galatasaray. The Turkish giants squandered a two-goal lead on Monday night to draw 2-2 against Kasimpasa.