Sunday at Easter Road was another tense occasion. In places, it was a decent performance from Celtic, though it lacked a cutting edge for much of the match. Better finishing could have seen a healthy lead and a more comfortable win. Perhaps even cutting into the goal difference gap with Hearts.
It was another tight win ground out by Celtic. In what was a hard watch, there were signs of help from the game to boost Martin O’Neill as he works to keep the winning run going. Obviously, VAR and refereeing remain an issue. But that’s not going to change any time soon. A couple of players, how they are used, and the backing of the fans could all come together to add critical impetus for Celtic.
Firstly, there is Alistair Johnston. O’Neill must be delighted to have him back, even if he has to still manage that return to the side. Johnston is critical to the team. Defensively strong, he forays forward to great effect.
Celtic players returning to the side could make a difference
His assist on Sunday now puts him on level pegging in that statistic with Sebastian Tounekti, as far as league games go this season, despite being injured for most of it. Sure, it’s only one, but you’d feel more confident backing Johnston over Tounekti to add to that over the remaining games.
Then we have Kelechi Iheanacho. He has a lot to offer. He brings goals, a calmness up front, and links up well with the midfield and wide men. What’s not to like about that? Well, it seems Iheanacho can only do it in short bursts. Even on Sunday, after arriving on the pitch at 70 minutes, he looked tired chasing the ball at times, while looking sublime at other points.
Iheanacho has to be used in the remaining games, but sparingly and wisely. O’Neill may be frustrating the player with his limited usage of him. But it looks sensible and so far tactically correct. He could make another big impact against Rangers next weekend.
The third, but by no means least, is the fans. In recent games, the backing, both home and away, from the stands has been brilliant. It’s taken far too long to get the Green Brigade back in place. It’s been a season of errors in judgment in many ways; the hole left by the standing section and supporters has been as big as any.
With three massively significant games left in the league and a Scottish Cup Final to come, the team needs the fans’ backing more than ever. It’s remarkable, after all that has happened, that a double trophy win is still possible. If O’Neill can keep getting the best from the team, and the fans keep showing up and backing the players, anything can happen.
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