BBC SPORT | Football | Teams | Celtic | O'Neill: Show me hunger

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has challenged his players to prove they are still hungry for success as Celtic chase a hat-trick of SPL titles.

O'Neill wasn't unduly worried after his side were defeated 6-2 by Werden Bremen on Friday.

But afterwards he said: "I will find out in the next few weeks if the attitude, hunger and determination is still there in this side.

"It is vitally important that were are collectively ready for the opening game against Dunfermline and the campaign ahead.

He continued: "Great sides in the past have gone on to do well continually - we want to win the championship, but we won't win it without hunger and drive.

O'Neill will assess the fitness of Joos Valgaeren and Bobo Balde next week before picking his side to face Ajax at Parkhead on Wednesday.

Swedish international Johan Mjallby is likely to get his first match since the World Cup and he will be welcomed back to a Celtic defence who leaked five goals in the second-half against the Germans.

Midfielder Alan Thompson (left) had was forced to play in defence
Injuries forced Alan Thompson (left) to cover in defence
Valgaeren and Balde missed both games on Celtic's tour of Austria but could be set to return to face the Dutch champions.

O'Neill said: "I have been giving players half a game or an hour but they will now be crying out for a full 90 minutes.

"I've put players into unfamiliar positions - Petrov, Lambert, Thompson and Lennon have all played in central defence over the last few games, which is no bad thing.

"I'll decide on what to do nearer the game on Wednesday but a lot will depend on whether Valgaeren and Balde are fit," he added.

Celtic play Ajax and Parma in preparation for Friday's third-round draw of the Champion's League.

Twelve months ago O'Neill's side beat Ajax 3-1 in the Amsterdam Arena to qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

Unlike last season, Celtic are seeded this time around but could still come up against tricky opposition in the shape of Sporting Lisbon, Croatia Zagreb or Fenerbahce, last season's conquerors of Rangers.


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