Celtic’s next 6 weeks could decide the fate of 10IAR

A very important 6 weeks lie ahead for Celtic as the fate of the 10IAR could very well be decided by some of the things that take place over this time.

The next 6 weeks or so are pretty critical for Celtic and the season. Trophies won’t be decided but the results and performances will make a huge difference for what lies ahead.

Saturday’s 0-5 away win over Ross County kicked the period off after the international break. The win was perhaps more emphatic in scoreline  than performance for the first half at least, but that’s always likely after a break and with new players and formation.

Ajeti continued his scoring habit and looks a great penalty box threat. Shane Duffy will be delighted with a debut goal and Klimala likewise with his goal too. We also saw good use of the squad, Turnbull making his debut and Barkas with some great stops which,combined with the woodwork, ensured a clean sheet. Not to overlook how excellent it was to see Odsonne Edouard back, on form and seemingly unaffected by stories of bids.

Moving on from that very encouraging result and into these next vital weeks, the league has to remain a priority in this ten-in-a-row season. Neil Lennon will be looking for several things from the next few league matches from his squad. He’ll want maximum points and to keep working to closing the gap with Rangers where possible. He’ll be hoping the St Mirren fixture slotted in doesn’t get cancelled due to players testing positive.

With some new faces in the squad, Lennon will be looking for everyone to be fit and available. And he’ll want to use the coming games to get to some settled formations he can deploy in different games. With the new bhoys playing their part.

Within those upcoming league fixtures the hoops are away to Aberdeen and at home to Rangers. Both games will be tough and critical to gain points from. That’s not dismissing any of the other matches e.g. Hibs at home, they will all be important.

Celtic also have the European challenge with a 3rd round Europa League qualifier against Riga or Tre Fiori, currently to be played on 24 September, away from home. And hopefully the play off stage soon after if they can win through.

Lastly, a very critical moment when the summer transfer window ends on 5 October. Whether it is slammed or just closed may depend upon Jim White’s hyperbole of choice, but either way it’ll be a critical point. Any new signings are delivered and knowing who is staying, for now anyway, and not moving on, yet, could be just as important.

These weeks, games and window won’t decide the season but could take enormous steps in shaping how it goes from there. A squad with new signings settling into its stride quickly and positively is an enormous confidence boost for the hoops and fans. It could be unsettling and unnerving for their opponents too.