Celtic

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Brendan Rodgers' resignation, Martin O'Neill returning twice as interim boss, with the debacle of Wilfried Nancy's reign in between, an unprecedented injury list and unrest between supporters and club hierarchy.

It is hard to believe that has all happened in one season for Celtic.

For many supporters, it is something of a minor miracle that they are still in with a chance of lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy in May.

They have lost eight games this season - Falkirk are the only team in the top six who have lost more - and have been without key players such as centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, winger Jota and right-back Alistair Johnston for most of the campaign.

However, O'Neill's side arguably have the most favourable run-in, with three of their five games at home - including Rangers and Hearts.

Paul John Dykes, of A Celtic State of Mind podcast, thinks the return of the Green Brigade will be the most beneficial of all after the club hierarchy lifted the ultras group's suspension, which followed incidents earlier this season.

"I think it's huge," he said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "There's been a cloud hanging over us and we've been architects of our own demise this season, so I'm not sitting here looking for sympathy.

"But the Green Brigade have been away for five months and they're massive. When you have relied on them for 20 years, then I think there's a generation of fans who have forgotten how to start songs and get involved in creating the atmosphere.

"It's been a bit of a morgue and then you start hearing other managers saying this is an advantage to us going to Celtic Park now.

"I'm a bit gutted it didn't happen sooner, but it is basically getting all the margins that we possibly can back in our favour because we're not a great side.

"The only other thing that we can hope for is one or two players to come back [from injury] in the run-in."

Read more: What do fans of top three make of Premiership split?

Luke Graham is very keen on a move to Rangers, who are working to get ahead of their rivals in the race for the Dundee centre-half's signature, but competition remains fierce, with Celtic and English clubs also interested in the 22-year-old. (TeamTalk), external

Head coach Steven Pressley says Dundee will stick to their valuation of Luke Graham this summer, having already turned down big offers from Portsmouth for the 22-year-old centre-half in January. (The Courier), external

Dundee centre-half Luke Graham has a better chance of being a consistent starter for Rangers than he does with Celtic next season as both clubs eye a move for his services. (Football Insider), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland

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Defending champions Celtic's main advantage over their title rivals in the Scottish Premiership post-split run-in is their three home games and finishing the campaign at Celtic Park.

As things stand, Martin O'Neill's side have the most to do out of Hearts, Rangers and Celtic but that could all change very quickly. Celtic could finish this coming weekend second or even first, depending on results. They host St Mirren on Saturday in a dress rehearsal for the Scottish Cup semi-final eight days later.

In their first post-split league fixture, they will host Falkirk for the third time this season on 25 April (17:30 BST).

A trip to Hibernian follows on 3 May (12:00) then Rangers visit Celtic Park for the season's final meeting of the city rivals on 10 May (12:00).

Celtic's last midweek fixture and final away Premiership game of the season will be at Motherwell on 13 May (20:00) and then current league leaders Hearts visit Glasgow on 16 May (12:30).

Hearts and Rangers, who will both have three away games after the split, are unbeaten against Celtic in the league so far this season and both have won at Celtic Park, while Motherwell and Hibs have inflicted defeats on the reigning champions.

However, O'Neill's Celtic picked up a victory at Easter Road earlier in the season and have recorded four straight wins over Falkirk in all competitions, plus two home victories against Well.

In what has been a challenging season for Celtic with a managerial resignation, a mid-season boss sacking and O'Neill brought in on two occasions, they could yet end the campaign with a league and cup double and maintain their average for trophies won over the previous two season. Finishing second in the league would at least offer access to next season's Champions League.

As if all that wasn't incentive enough, Celtic are seeking to avoid their lowest finish in the Scottish top flight since the 1994-1995 campaign. In every season since, Celtic have been in the top two and first on 20 occasions.

Tino
Fan writer

Twenty-five years ago to the very day, April 7, 2001, Tommy Johnson's solitary strike against St Mirren sealed Martin O'Neill's first league title as Celtic manager.

It was a defining moment and one that ushered in a golden era under O'Neill.

And now, a quarter of a century later, he's on the cusp of once again repeating that feat.

With just six league games remaining, Celtic find themselves in the thick of a title race that feels as much about belief and determination as it does about performances and pretty football.

But if you ask any fan in the race who they'd rather have at the helm between Martin O'Neill, Derek McInnes and Danny Rohl, then there's only one credible answer.

Many have asked where Celtic would be this season without all of our late winners, or without the 19 goals that Benjamin Nygren has scored

Both very valid questions.

But the real question is - where would we be without Martin O'Neill?

A man - now at the age of 74 - who has stepped in not once, but twice to answer the call when Celtic needed him most.

And let's be clear, this isn't a move that he had to make at all.

This isn't a job Martin O'Neill absolutely needed, and he was perfectly happy in semi-retirement, whiling away the days making various media appearances, featuring on the after-dinner circuit, chairing the League Managers Association and taking in the odd game here and there.

Following a lifetime in the game, he had nothing left to prove.

But it's a move he made for two reasons.

Firstly, because he still has that hunger, that fire in his belly, that will to win - after all these years. That desire has never gone away.

And secondly, because he believed he could make a difference. Because he backs himself. And always has done since first landing in Glasgow back in the summer of 2000.

And of course, it's not all been plain sailing since his return, far from it.

There has been some choppy waters to navigate, and while there's been some big highs in there - putting Rangers out of two cups, European away wins against Feyenoord and in Stuttgart, as well as a draw in Bologna, plus dramatic late winners against the likes of St Mirren, Livingston, Kilmarnock and Dundee - there has also been some lows. Or setbacks as O'Neill has referenced them.

Most recently, the league losses to Hibs and to Dundee United.

But despite all of that, his Celtic side, the Martin O'Neill Celtic of 2025-26, for all its faults and failings, for all the ups and downs across the whole campaign, are still in there fighting, and will be until the very last day.

And no one sold the O'Neill return on a promise of pretty football, or of "pure, beautiful, inventive football" - to quote Jock Stein

He doesn't have to play beautiful football this time around - he just has to win.

But if you're looking for someone who has the presence of a Jock Stein, the charisma of the great man, and the character to take on a challenge and to overcome it against all odds like Stein famously did, then O'Neill is absolutely your man for that.

And though his name was already firmly etched in Celtic history for what he achieved at the turn of the century - with just six league games to go, and possibly two Scottish Cup games as well - the historians now have their pens at the ready, to write one final, incredible chapter in the Martin O'Neill Celtic story.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

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Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken is among the signing targets being assessed by Celtic, with the 25-year-old out of contract in the summer and available without a transfer fee. (Football Insider), external

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill and assistant Mark Fortheringham were at Deepdale on Monday as 28-year-old Preston North End goalkeeper Daniel Iversen starred against Queens Park Rangers. (Football Insider), external

Celtic's interest in Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa has moved beyond early scouting, with discussions between the clubs about the 21-year-old taking place both in January and more recently. (Celts Are Here), external

Odin Thiago Holm, who has returned to former club Valerenga on loan, has suggested he has been joyless at Celtic since the 23-year-old midfielder made the move in 2023. (VG Podcast via Glasgow Times), external

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou, who has been linked with the vacancy at Celtic, insists he is planning on building on this season's success next term. (Scottish Sun), external

Former Scotland defender Charlie Mulgrew has revealed he was Celtic's first signing under Neil Lennon but was not announced for a whole month because he was "too underwhelming" an acquisition. (The National), external

Albion Rovers manager Sandy Clark was happy to see the Green Brigade ultras out in force in support of Celtic B - despite their pyrotechnics holding the game up twice - because the boost in attendance will pay the Lowland League club's players' wages for a month. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kelechi Iheanacho insists he is ready to start matches for Celtic after coming off the bench to fire in a crucial winning goal in Sunday's victory at Dundee.

The former Manchester City striker has endured an injury-hit campaign but feels fit enough to play a full part in a gripping title run-in.

Celtic's win at Dens Park moved them to within three points of leaders Hearts, with six rounds of fixtures remaining.

No striker in the squad has managed to nail down the starting spot in Martin O'Neill's side, but Iheanacho is confident he can be the man after netting his fourth goal of the season.

"I'm sure I'm fit to start games, but obviously it's up to the manager to pick who he wants to start," the 29-year-old said. "But I'm really sure I'm perfectly okay to start games.

"The manager has been good to everyone at the club. His management is really good - he speaks to everyone really well. Speaking with him gives me so much confidence to play as well. So it's really good.

"It feels really good to get the win, especially in such an important game. I'm happy to help the team get the three points. And obviously I'm happy that the fans are really happy."

Striker Kelechi Iheanacho has to lead the line for Celtic in the decisive final weeks of the Scottish Premiership title race, according to former midfielder Scott Allan.

The forward has seen his time in Glasgow disrupted by injury since joining the club last summer but showed his worth again on Sunday when he smashed in a late winner against Dundee.

Tomas Cvancara started up front at Dens Park but was replaced by Iheanacho moments after Simon Murray's penalty had cancelled out Yang's opener.

The substitute's contribution was an example of the clinical finishing that makes him the ideal first choice, Allan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I think if you can keep Iheanacho fit, that's the million dollar question," he said.

"Sometimes you see him then you don't see him for another three weeks. But if he is fit, he's the most instinctive and best finisher they have in that number nine position.

"I think you see that at Dundee, the times that Cvancara does have real chances and has half chances, he's not a killer.

"He doesn't look like he's got real conviction in his finishing, and that's why he's had a loan deal here. He comes to Celtic and it's a stop gap and you're hoping.

"But for me, Iheanacho, if they can keep him fit, has to lead the line. He links the game better for Celtic as well for me.

"Even the goal he scores, it's the little cute things, cute nudge, just to put Ryan Astley off balance and then on the swivel.

"There's no thought process, it's just instinctive striker play."

We asked Celtic fans for their views on the dramatic win over Dundee at Dens Park.

Here's a taste of what they had to say:

Mark: This title might come down to individual players who want to win it the most. Martin O'Neill needs to be incredibly brave and drop players who checked out a long time ago. The substitutes completely turned the game yesterday.

Kev: Always just doing enough, should have been out of sight in the first half. Now it really is the business end of the season. Regardless of what happens I would ask Martin to carry on.

Len: Winning the league after such disastrous decisions by the CEO and board would be remarkable. But the fact remains: Celtic need root and branch reform, starting with the CEO and board.

Hector: The most threadbare Celtic squad in 50 years is evidence of the gross mismanagement at boardroom level over several seasons. Millions squandered on unheard of imports, while youth development is ignored. O'Neill can't keep pulling rabbits out a hat.

Dave: Three points and still very much in it, it's as simple as night is night and day is day... Next match and three more points, please.

Peter: Another dreadful performance in a long line of dreadful performances. It says a lot about quality of Scottish football but good news we are still in title hunt. Win our last six league games and we are champions. Not impossible.

Ian: I've said it before on these pages, but if Martin O'Neill can win the title this year, honestly, I'll build the statue myself!

Watch Celtic narrow the gap at the Scottish Premiership summit with a late victory at Dundee.

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill told BBC Sportsound: "I thought we played brilliantly in the first half, got our goal and should have got two, three or four. You always felt it would come back to haunt you and it did.

"They got their tails up after the penalty and it was really hard work.

"But we created another chance or two and Iheanacho puts one in the net.

"I think overall we deserved to win the game but it was always going to be tight. And we made it really tight.

"We made it hard for ourselves because we couldn't put the ball in the net.

"Of course you're thinking 'Maybe it's not our day' but the one thing about this side is that, apart from a fortnight ago, we have shown some really great spirit.

"We may be lacking some things as a team but you could say that about all the teams that are in it. We have a really good spirit and that can carry us through. We can't rely on that alone but it was important today.

"We're still in it and we're still fighting on.

"We could not afford to drop points today and those three points will galvanise us and keep us going. It was so, so important for us to win today."

Celtic capitalised on Hearts' earlier slip-up to move within three points of the Scottish Premiership leaders as Kelechi Iheanacho slammed in a dramatic late winner at Dundee.

Read the match report here.

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Midfielder Benjamin Nygren is hoping he can use his World Cup play-off victory as fuel in Celtic's quest for the Premiership title.

Nygren set up a goal in Sweden's 3-2 victory over Poland in Tuesday's play-off final to book a spot in this summer's tournament.

Graham Potter's side finished bottom of Group B in the qualifiers but made the play-offs courtesy of topping a table involving Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan in the third tier of the Nations League.

"It was an unbelievable experience," Nygren said of his country's unlikely World Cup qualification.

"Something I've dreamt about since I was a kid. It was an incredible night. I think the best experience so far in my football career. It was almost like a movie."

And Nygren is hoping he can use his experience from helping Sweden qualify to get Celtic over the line in the title race.

Following defeat by Dundee United before the international break Celtic - who visit Dundee on Sunday - go into the weekend seven points adrift of leaders Hearts with seven games left.

"It's a little bit the same situation in a way," the 24-year-old added.

"In Sweden, we were counted out and we made it. That feeling was absolutely unbelievable. I want to do the same here.

"Just keep on training hard, keep on believing. I think that's the most important thing. Believing as an individual but also as a group, as a team. The whole club, the players, staff, fans, everyone together. Then we can make it.

"It's in tough moments you really can show who you are as a person and as a team. That's what we need to do.

"I've said it before but I think we have a great group and a great team. I think we've showed many times this season that we never stop believing and we never stop working hard. So I'm believing in this group."

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Celtic and Canada right-back Alistair Johnston has suffered a setback in his recovery from a log-term hamstring injury, manager Martin O'Neill confirms. (The Herald - subscription required), external

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Dundee have Yan Dhanda back in contention after he was ineligible against parent club Hearts so Clark Robertson (thigh) is likely to be the only player unavailable.

Arne Engels could return for Celtic, while Auston Trusty and Colby Donovan are expected to shake off knocks. Alistair Johnston is still making his way back after a long-term hamstring injury, while Julian Araujo (thigh), Jota (knee), Callum Osmand (hamstring), Kasper Schmeichel (shoulder) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles) remain out.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Martin O'Neill wants Celtic to right the wrongs of their miserable 2-0 defeat to Dundee United when they travel to Dens Park to face Dundee on Sunday.

The loss at Tannadice means Celtic have lost all three trips to the City of Discovery this season under three different managers.

They were beaten 2-0 at Dens Park in October under Brendan Rodgers and 2-1 at United in December during Wilfried Nancy's nightmare reign.

"I've just been reminded there that all three managers of Celtic this season have lost in Dundee," O'Neill said.

"Either Dundee United or Dundee. So we'll try and rectify that. We didn't play well in the game a fortnight ago.

"I think we're looking forward to it. We know how difficult it's going to be. We've got to be ready for it.

"We made a lot of mistakes in the game. Of course, you learn.

"We had a couple of chances before they scored in the first half. Kieran Tierney, maybe if he scores, it might be a different ball game.

"Looking back at the game, it's still the same. I don't think that we adjusted well enough to the conditions. That's down to us, really.

"That said, I think the other part of it is you have to put it to the side now. Keep getting on with the things and get back to what has made us still in contention."

O'Neill has no fresh injury concerns for Sunday's clash. Arne Engels could make his comeback from injury while Colby Donovan, who was forced off with a knock at Tannadice, trained on Friday.

And O'Neill has liked what he's seen in training this week.

"The non-international players, or the players who didn't travel away, got themselves a few days off," he said.

"So we've been training all week. I think it's the training, the manner in which they've trained. I think that gives you good confidence in that sense.

"In fairness, I think the players themselves, we've all had a look at it. I'm sure the players have thought about their own individual performances and just want to try and put it right if they can."

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Former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama has announced his retirement from professional football at age 34 and will turn his attention to coaching.

Kenya international Wanyama joined Celtic from Belgian side Beerschot in summer 2011 for £900,000 and won back-to-back titles plus a Scottish Cup during his two-year stay.

He departed for Southampton in a £12.5m move having made 91 Celtic appearances and scored 13 goals, including the opener in the famous 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2012 as Neil Lennon's side reached the Champions League last 16.

Wanyama went on to play for Tottenham and CF Montreal before a short spell at Dunfermline last season where he was reunited with Lennon.

Wanyama said on X, external: "Today I announce my retirement from football.

"Four different countries, six different clubs, a boy from Muthurwa with a big dream, carrying a nation's pride every time I stepped onto the pitch.

"To my family, friends, agent, the fans and the coaching staff that helped me throughout my career, thank you for walking this journey with me.

"I now take my next step into coaching where I will be completing my Uefa A licence this year."

Celtic said in a statement: "Everyone at the club sends our very best wishes to Victor Wanyama following his retirement."