Martin O'Neill has spoken ahead of Sunday's game against Dundee, and he has admitted that only a win will keep Celtic in the title race.
After a loss to Dundee United at Tannadice last time out, the Hoops sit third in the Scottish Premiership. Five points behind Hearts and two points behind Rangers, we need wins in every single match. If there are any points dropped from now on, that would rule Celtic out of the title race completely.
O'Neill said to the media: "Again, I would imagine, really, you’re probably right [have to win on Sunday to keep title hopes alive].
"I think we started to drop a lot of points there. Either two in a draw or a defeat. I think with the games running out, that would be a difficult comeback from there. Not impossible, but I think, yeah.
"I think that we have the belief, yes. Do I have the belief in the team? Absolutely. Do the team have belief in themselves? I think as well.
"We had a setback. The teams in and around us have had setbacks in recent times, I must admit. So we’ve just got to put it to the side. Get ourselves really geared up for the game and be ready for a very, very strong match."
Speaking about Celtic's record this season in Dundee, he said: "I’ve just been reminded there that all three managers of Celtic this season have lost in Dundee, whether it be Dundee or Dundee United. So I’m going to try and rectify that. We didn’t play well in the game a fortnight ago. We know how difficult it’s going to be this weekend. We’ve got to be ready for it.
"I think if I was to give a real honest answer [about playing the game last] I’d say it depends on results. That being said, I think psychologically, there is an advantage to playing early, if you get the result. If you don’t, then of course, it opens the way for you. But I’m hoping between now and the end of the season it might work in reverse. but you’ve just got to take care of your own game.
O'Neill offers an injury update
In his press conference, O'Neill also gave an update on some of the injuries we currently have. He said: "I think there was talk about [Auston] Trusty, but he’s going to be okay, but I think the problems before the break are still probably there for him.
"Julian [Araujo] is still recuperating down at Bournemouth.
"Arne [Engels] has come back now. We’ll see about him. Every day is a good day for him. He’s trained most of the week. I couldn’t rule him in or out."
With players set to return, it's going to be a good game. Hopefully, Celtic can pull off a major result that would keep them in the race for the title. If they don't, there will be a lot of fan disappointment, and it would essentially rule the season as over.