Celtic’s “inexperienced” manager debate cleared up as O’Neill fires back

Martin O’Neill has moved to clarify confusion surrounding claims of inexperience within Celtic’s coaching staff, responding firmly to criticism from Hearts boss Derek McInnes following an emotional moment during Sunday’s clash at Tynecastle Park.

The flashpoint came after Celtic winger Benjamin Nygren curled home a spectacular free-kick, sparking animated celebrations from the visitors’ dugout. McInnes, clearly unimpressed by what he witnessed, immediately confronted the Celtic bench, directing his frustration at what he perceived to be inappropriate conduct from one of the coaching staff.

McInnes later suggested that an “inexperienced” Celtic coach had overstepped the mark with his reaction. However, O’Neill dismissed the accusation and insisted the narrative was both misleading and unfair.

Speaking after the incident, O’Neill suggested McInnes’ remarks were delivered with a degree of irony. “He was being fairly cynical about it,” O’Neill said. “But Derek would probably agree with me when I say that Hearts received a favourable decision in the end.”

O’Neill went on to explain that the focus had been wrongly placed on a coach who was inaccurately described as inexperienced. The individual in question, Mark Fotheringham, has built an extensive coaching résumé across Europe.

“There seemed to be a lot of emphasis on highlighting one of our so-called inexperienced coaches, who happens to be Mark Fotheringham,” O’Neill continued. “Mark is anything but inexperienced. His track record as both a manager and an assistant manager is outstanding.”

The Celtic manager highlighted Fotheringham’s time working in Germany, particularly alongside Felix Magath, where the pair played a key role in helping Hertha Berlin avoid relegation. O’Neill stressed that such experience should not be overlooked or downplayed.

“He’s worked at the highest levels, and his contribution to saving a major club from relegation speaks volumes,” O’Neill said. “The way it was framed felt deliberate, but it was done with a certain glint in the eye.”

With the controversy now addressed, Celtic quickly turned their attention to matters on the pitch, as they prepare for a pivotal European encounter later this evening. The Hoops welcome Dutch side FC Utrecht to Celtic Park in a decisive Europa League group-stage fixture, knowing victory would secure their place in the knockout round play-offs.

O’Neill, who returned to the club earlier this season in an interim capacity, has already overseen some impressive continental performances. Celtic recorded a memorable 3–1 victory over Feyenoord in Rotterdam before following that up with a gritty 2–2 draw away to Bologna last week.

Reflecting on the team’s European journey so far, O’Neill admitted that progression was not initially at the forefront of his thinking. “I’d had two European matches at that point and wasn’t even considering a third,” he said. “My main hope was simply to put ourselves back into a position where qualification might be possible.”

He acknowledged that earlier results had left Celtic with work to do but believes the team’s recent efforts justify pushing on. “There’s been some damage along the way,” he explained. “But when you look back at it, especially after the performances against Feyenoord and Bologna, you don’t want to throw that effort away.”

The Northern Irishman also addressed suggestions that Celtic’s league commitments should take priority over Europe. While conceding the importance of domestic success, O’Neill argued that the two objectives need not be mutually exclusive.

“The league is hugely important, absolutely,” he said. “But if you’ve already put in those performances in Europe, then you owe it to yourselves to try and see it through.”

O’Neill was realistic about the challenge ahead, admitting there are no guarantees. “We could lose the game, we might not get the result we need, and we could be out,” he said. “But we want to give it everything we’ve got.”

He added that progression could provide a timely boost, particularly with the January transfer window in mind. “If we can qualify, win at the weekend, and maybe bring in a couple of players early next week, that could lift the mood considerably. But the first step is getting through.”

The upcoming match against Utrecht carries additional significance for O’Neill personally. It will be his first European fixture in charge of Celtic since December 2004, when a scoreless draw against AC Milan saw the club exit the Champions League.

Despite fierce competition at home as Celtic attempt to defend their Scottish Premiership crown, O’Neill reiterated that European ambition remains central to the club’s identity.

“I don’t care who the manager is,” he said. “That’s what Celtic should always be striving for. It’s the same for our rivals as well. Both clubs are built on the idea of competing at the highest level.”

While acknowledging that Celtic are still some distance from consistently competing among Europe’s elite, O’Neill believes that ambition must remain intact. “Whether we’re good enough right now is another question,” he admitted. “But you have to aim for it. Those Champions League nights were incredibly special.”

O’Neill fondly recalled the fearless mentality of his former squads. “It helped having players who were never afraid of anyone at Celtic Park,” he said. “But I was immensely proud of the effort we saw against Bologna, and again against Hearts. There was real resilience there.”

On the team news front, striker Kelechi Iheanacho is available again for selection ahead of the Utrecht match. Defender Kieran Tierney will undergo a late assessment after being forced off with an injury at Tynecastle, though he did take part in training on the eve of the game.

However, left-back Marcelo Saracchi remains sidelined, with the Uruguay international still recovering from a hamstring issue that has kept him out since early December.

As Celtic prepare for another crucial European night under the lights at Parkhead, O’Neill’s message is clear: ambition, belief, and resilience remain at the heart of the club’s pursuit of success at home and abroad.

Celtic open late negotiations for £6m striker tipped to be the next Giakoumakis

Celtic appear to be edging toward another late attacking move in the January transfer window, with discussions reportedly under way for a striker valued at around £6 million — a forward many believe could replicate the impact once made by Giorgos Giakoumakis at Parkhead.

While it may be premature to draw firm conclusions, there were encouraging signs from Celtic’s most recent attacking addition, Tomas Cvancara, during Sunday’s dramatic 2–2 draw in Edinburgh. The Czech forward, who had not featured competitively since November, showed inevitable signs of rust early on but steadily worked himself into the contest.

Standing at 6ft 3in, Cvancara offered a physical presence that Celtic have often lacked this season. He came close to opening his account when a powerful header rattled the woodwork, and moments later produced an impressive surging run through the Hearts defence before teeing up Yang Hyun-jun for Celtic’s second goal. It was a snapshot of what the striker could offer when fully fit and match-sharp.

However, optimism surrounding his performance was tempered after interim manager Martin O’Neill suggested the striker was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark due to hamstring discomfort. With Celtic already stretched in key areas, the prospect of another injury — particularly at centre-forward — is far from ideal.

Even if Cvancara’s issue proves minor, there is a growing sense that Celtic’s attacking depth remains insufficient as they attempt to reel in Hearts at the top of the Premiership table.

Celtic step up striker pursuit late in the window

The need for an additional striker has been a recurring theme at Celtic for more than a year. The exits of Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah left a void that has not yet been convincingly filled, and the club’s current options remain limited.

Callum Osmand continues his recovery on the sidelines, while Kelechi Iheanacho has only recently returned from injury and is still working his way back to peak condition. Shin Yamada, meanwhile, has been sent out on loan after failing to find the net throughout the campaign.

Cvancara’s arrival on loan was widely viewed as a step in the right direction, but few believe it should be the final move in Celtic’s January business. Reinforcements are still required if the club are serious about sustaining a title push.

Within Scotland, Motherwell forward Tawanda Maswanhise has been linked as a potential domestic option. Yet Celtic’s recruitment team also appear to be casting the net wider, exploring opportunities beyond the Premiership.

According to reports from Football Insider, Celtic have entered discussions over a possible move for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh. The Danish forward is said to be attracting interest from Championship side Norwich City, managed by former Rangers boss Philippe Clement, setting up a potential transfer tussle.

The report claims that O’Neill is keen to secure another striker before the deadline, with Høgh believed to be available for a fee in the region of £6 million.

A familiar Celtic striker blueprint

There was a period not so long ago when Celtic possessed one of the most formidable strike partnerships in Scottish football. Under Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo and Giorgos Giakoumakis offered contrasting but complementary profiles, giving Celtic tactical flexibility and relentless attacking threat.

Kyogo’s pace, movement, and finishing made him the primary choice, but Giakoumakis provided an invaluable alternative. Strong, aggressive, and dominant in the air, the Greek striker was often devastating from the bench and pushed Kyogo relentlessly for a starting role.

At 6ft 1in, Giakoumakis gave Celtic a traditional focal point, something that has been noticeably absent since his departure. He arrived at Parkhead from Dutch side VVV-Venlo after a breakout season in which he scored an astonishing 29 goals in 33 games during the 2020/21 campaign.

Before that spell in the Netherlands, Giakoumakis had never been particularly prolific. Yet that surge in confidence carried over to Glasgow, where he netted 26 goals in 57 appearances for Celtic, despite starting fewer than half of those matches.

His partnership and competition with Kyogo proved short-lived but highly effective — and it is precisely that type of dynamic Celtic appear keen to recreate.

Why Kasper Høgh fits the Giakoumakis mould

Høgh, like Giakoumakis before him, did not begin his career as a reliable goalscorer. Early spells at clubs such as Randers and Aalborg produced modest returns, with the Dane managing just four goals during those periods.

His fortunes changed dramatically following his move to Bodo/Glimt. Since arriving in Norway, Høgh has transformed into one of the Eliteserien’s most dangerous forwards, scoring 42 goals in 82 appearances across all competitions.

His development has been particularly striking over the past two seasons. Across the last two league campaigns combined, Høgh has found the net 29 times, with his form truly exploding from 2024 onwards.

One of his most eye-catching performances came recently in European competition, where he scored twice as Bodo/Glimt stunned Manchester City with a remarkable 3–1 victory in the Champions League. That display underlined his ability to perform on big occasions against elite opposition.

Standing 6ft 1in tall, Høgh is a classic number nine — strong, direct, and highly efficient in front of goal. His playing style mirrors much of what Giakoumakis brought to Celtic: an ability to occupy defenders, dominate aerial duels, and convert chances with minimal touches.

Statistically, the comparison is compelling. During the most recent Eliteserien season, Høgh scored 17 league goals while averaging just over 23 touches per game, highlighting his efficiency. He also won more than half of his aerial duels, reinforcing his reputation as a physical presence.

Giakoumakis produced similar numbers in his debut Scottish Premiership campaign, scoring 13 league goals from an average of just 16 touches per match and winning around 51% of his aerial battles. The parallels between the two forwards are difficult to ignore.

Tactical value for Martin O’Neill

For O’Neill, adding a striker like Høgh would provide crucial tactical flexibility. Celtic have often struggled when asked to break down deep-lying defences or when games become physical and congested. A powerful central striker capable of holding the ball up, winning headers, and finishing efficiently would offer a valuable alternative approach.

Høgh’s presence would also ease the burden on Cvancara, allowing the Czech forward time to build fitness without being rushed into an overloaded role. It would give Celtic genuine competition at number nine — something that has been sorely lacking since Giakoumakis’ departure.

Moreover, Høgh’s recent improvement in chance conversion suggests a striker growing in confidence and maturity. In the latest season, his goal conversion rate climbed significantly while the number of big chances missed dropped sharply, an indication of improved decision-making and composure.

A move that could define Celtic’s window

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Celtic’s recruitment strategy appears to be reaching a decisive phase. Supporters have grown increasingly vocal about the club’s perceived lack of ambition in recent windows, and another attacking addition could go a long way toward restoring belief.

While £6 million represents a sizeable outlay, it could prove a shrewd investment if Høgh adapts successfully to Scottish football. Giakoumakis arrived with far less fanfare and went on to become one of the most effective forwards in the league.

Should Celtic succeed in landing the Danish striker, it would not only bolster their title challenge but also signal a return to a proven recruitment formula — identifying a physically dominant forward on an upward trajectory and giving him the platform to thrive.

As Celtic look to close the gap on Hearts and regain momentum in the title race, securing a Giakoumakis-style striker may be exactly the statement move O’Neill needs to round off the window.