Celtic

Tino
Fan writer

How many of the following players will still be at Celtic Park next season?

Daizen Maeda. Reo Hatate. Kelechi Iheanacho. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arne Engels. Benji Nygren. Paulo Bernardo. Michel-Ange Balikwisha. Kasper Schmeichel.

Potentially none.

Engels and Nygren are probably our most attractive assets - young, talented and drawing attention.

If bids arrive in the ballpark of £20m-plus for either player, can the club say no? Any new manager would love both to stay, but that's modern football.

Then there's the ticking clock. Maeda shortly enters the final year of his contract and will almost certainly move on this summer, either before or after his World Cup with Japan.

Countryman Hatate with two years left is possibly less in demand, but it seems too his time at Celtic may be coming to a close.

The wildcards are Oxlade-Chamberlain and Iheanacho. Talent isn't the issue for either, but fitness seems to be.

If they can find their levels then both can definitely be assets. If not then they too may be offloaded.

And separately, for different reasons, none of Schmeichel, Bernardo and Balikwisha look to be part of the long-term picture at the club.

Add loan players Marcelo Saracchi, Benjamin Arthur, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, Joel Mvuka and Julian Araujo and that's 15 players that could potentially vacate the squad.

Which is why you would hope our planning for next season must already be in full swing.

But can it be with a Paul Tisdale-sized hole in our scouting and recruitment team following his January exit? Who is currently heading up this area of the football department?

Clarity on that front, as well as elsewhere, must surely be forthcoming.

But for whoever takes the lead, it should be noted there is some impressive talent right here on our doorstep in Scotland.

Players delivering week in, week out in the Premiership who could step up immediately. Elliot Watt, Lukas Fadinger and Elijah Just of Motherwell. Ex-Celtic academy product Calvin Miller lighting it up at Falkirk. Miguel Chaiwa impressing at Hibs. Claudio Braga producing at Hearts.

But Celtic have, at times, for whatever reason, shown a reluctance to opt for what's right in front of them - almost a type of market snobbery that has led to us missing out on a number of proven talents over the years.

That has to change, especially in a summer where such a turnover of players is expected.

This isn't a call to 'shop locally' and nowhere else. But it is a call for smart domestic recruitment with a range of further additions from elsewhere.

The scale of the rebuild this summer dictates it'll be a busy one for all at the club - or at least it should be.

But the resources are there, the opportunities are there, and by the time the final whistle blows at Hampden on 23 May, the work should already be well under way.

It could be a defining summer for Celtic. It should be a defining summer. Let's see what direction the club choose to take.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

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Will the latest Old Firm ticket row signal the end of away allocations in the fixture?

The SPFL are this week due to decide whether to uphold Celtic's refusal to give Rangers tickets for the derby at Parkhead on 10 May unless the Union Bears ultras group is excluded.

The row comes in the aftermath of disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final on 8 March when spectators from both clubs entered the pitch after Celtic won on penalties at Ibrox.

It is an issue "so toxic" that the league sub-committee responsible for the adjudication should be "wearing hazmat suits", says The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he added: "You fear for away allocations as we know them at the moment, I think they'll do well to survive us.

"The SFA are having an independent inquiry at the moment where they will try and pin exactly where responsibility should be attributed for what happened on 8 March.

"They will make their findings known probably in the summer, the problem is they've got a game at Parkhead to get to before then on 10 May, and basically this comes down to a dispute between the two teams on how you should handle the Ultra problem.

"Celtic think, as they've shown - they banned the Green Brigade for five months - it should be collective punishment, you should hit them en masse. Rangers take the view it should be more of an individual thing. Celtic clearly think Rangers have been a bit weak on this issue.

"Rangers say no, they can't lay down the law to us on who we can sell tickets to. It's the eternal story of football in Glasgow, it's two bitter rivals who will not yield to one another.

"It's going to be to some poor souls on the SPFL board to decide who's right and who gets their way over this.

"I think if the SPFL uphold this Celtic stance then Rangers absolutely will reciprocate and that would be regrettable.

"But equally if we see that the police are struggling to deal with large-scale allocations, it might be unavoidable in the long term, it might well be the way we have to go just to try and kind of cool minds and bring some sanity back to the situation."

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Assistant Shaun Maloney has no interest in succeeding Martin O'Neill as Celtic manager, but is keen on the vacant director of football role at Parkhead. (Football Insider), external

Martin O'Neill expects Celtic to sell Daizen Maeda this summer if the Japan forward does not sign a new deal. (The Herald - subscription required), external

Celtic have set a date for talks with Boca Juniors over the permanent signing of left-back Marcelo Saracchi. (German Garcia Grova on X), external

ARE HEARTS DESTINED TO WIN THE TITLE? 🏆

It was a seismic weekend in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership crown. Are you rejoicing, are you quietly optimistic, or are you chucking it?

Join the debate with Ray Bradshaw at 18:00 BST TONIGHT on the BBC Sport Scottish Football YouTube channel, external to give us your views in the chat. The show is fully interactive, so have your say.

Remember to like and subscribe to not miss it!

Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson believes it would be a remarkable story whoever wins the Scottish Premiership title, but thinks Celtic's home advantage on the final day could prove pivotal.

Martin O'Neill's side trail Hearts by three points with four matches remaining and they host the Tynecastle outfit on the final day of the season.

Hearts play Rangers next Monday, while Celtic travel to Hibernian on Sunday.

"They've all actually got their own wee story of success - when you think of Hearts, it would be an astronomical achievement if they can go on and win the title," Thomson said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Celtic have sacked two managers this year, Martin O'Neill's had two different stints as interim. If he can find a way to get his Celtic team to get over the line.

"When Danny Rohl took over from Russell Martin, nobody gave Rangers any chance.

"So it's amazing - the climax of the season has been so exciting. I cannot call it.

"I would never write Celtic off because I'm not naive enough to. I've never done it as a player. I certainly wouldn't do it as a pundit or as ex-player.

"But I certainly do think, if Hearts can beat Rangers, regardless of what Celtic do, I think it puts Rangers to bed and then it becomes a two-horse race.

"The advantage that Celtic would have is home advantage when that game comes around.

"The good bit from Celtic's perspective is they're still hanging in there. They're still there, they've still got a chance and they've not been at their brilliant best by any stretch of imagination."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

GK: Jerome Prior - Livingston

Five big saves of every variety to keep St Mirren at bay as Livingston finally earned a long-awaited victory.

RB: Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell

Having a wonderful season under Jens Berthel Askou. Asked to play on the left and wasn't an issue. Two assists for the former Scotland international, who can easily slot into right-back for me here.

CB: Ryan McGowan - Livingston

Did all the unfashionable graft a centre-back has to do at times to earn his side a seldom seen three points.

CB: Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Seven goals for club and country this season. Another rasper against Falkirk.

LB: Emmanuel Longelo - Motherwell

Unleashed in a further forward role than left-back, but he can slot in there easily for me here. What a player he has been all season. Two huge goals as Motherwell underlined their kingmaker credentials in this incredible title race.

CM: Blair Spittal - Hearts

Off the bench to score what could be one of the most pivotal winners of the season for Hearts at Easter Road.

CM: Callum Slattery - Motherwell

Back from suspension and exemplified the quality Motherwell showed in abundance at Ibrox.

RW: Sabah Kerjota - Hearts

The Albanian was a game-changer as Derek McInnes brought him on to find the path through the stubborn Hibs defence. Kerjota duly delivered, not once but twice. His contribution to the Hearts title push was immense.

AM: Martin Boyle - Hibernian

In his last Edinburgh derby he took his goal superbly, couldn't have caught it any sweeter.

LW: Will Ferry - Dundee United

Hadn't scored a single goal for Dundee United until his strike against Celtic a few weeks ago. Now he can't stop. Great work rate and quality again from the wide man as he made all the difference in the Dundee derby.

ST: Daizen Maeda - Celtic

Like a phoenix rising from the flames, is Maeda rising at just the right time to fire Celtic to the title? Celtic's opening two goals came from his tenacity and pressing, and their third - Maeda's second - was instinctive striker play.

Celtic goalkeeper Viljamo Sinisali urges the club to retain Japan winger Daizen Maeda, 28. (Herald - subscription required), external

Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher praises on-loan Celtic forward Johnny Kenny after the 22-year-old scored five goals in his past five League One appearances. (Glasgow Times), external

Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch all the highlights as Celtic kept their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive with a 3-1 win over Falkirk. Available to UK users only

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Manager Martin O'Neill doesn't think momentum is with Celtic despite their 3-1 home win over Falkirk on Saturday.

The Parkhead club were the first of the top three to play this weekend and laid down a marker to Hearts and Rangers with their victory.

And the Northern Irishman was delighted with the home crowd as they helped spur the team on to a win.

"I think the support we got was terrific," O'Neill said.

"They stayed with the team when there were moments of anxiety which I thought we showed for a little period of time and which could have spilled over into the crowd.

"They stayed with us, which was fantastic."

Celtic travel to Hibs next weekend before welcoming Rangers to Parkhead in their next two post-split fixtures.

They then visit Motherwell at Fir Park and end the campaign at home to leaders Hearts.

"We have a tough task next week," the Northern Irishman added.

"We have been battling strongly. We showed some fine play, made some mistakes which could have been costly.

"But we got a grip of that and the introduction of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain brought a calmness to us.

"In terms of momentum, I don't know. We are still a long way from home."

Celtic fans, we asked for your views on Saturday's 3-1 win over Falkirk.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Ian: Probably the best they have played all season - apart from let's all have a nap for a few minutes in the second half. Still not sure about not having a bustling centre half up front.

David: Where has that Daizen Maeda been all season? What a difference. Celtic weren't great but boy did Daizen make us tick much better. His best game of the season by a mile. Celtic are beginning to tick.

Peter: A huge three points and an improved performance. Four more league games, four wins is a must. Getting big players back at this stage of the season will be vital. The title is still up for grabs.

David T: Say what you want about this Celtic team, and as average as they've been, that's another crucial three points with four games to go. Plus a cup final to look forward to. Not sure what some fans want. The most unlikely of doubles in our history is in our hands and I truly believe it's meant to be for Celtic and Martin O'Neill, keep the faith.

Finbar: Celtic have to win their remaining games, so attack is the only option. The team was set up for goals and Maeda and Kieran Tierney delivered. Why is Benjamin Nygren taking corner kicks? He's more effective in the six-yard box. Maintaining momentum in each match and in the league run-in is the challenge for Celtic.

John: I thought they played well enough on the day against a decent opponent. The main objective is to keep winning. We have to hope the other teams around us drop some points in the remaining games. Considering everything that has gone on this season we are in a decent position to still win the league. Positive thinking.

Image source, Getty Images

Celtic have set their sights on a move to appoint Thomas Frank but the former Tottenham and Brentford manager would need some convincing to come to Scotland. (Football Insider), external

The SPFL hope to make a call on the latest Old Firm away tickets row by Monday evening, with Rangers complaining after Celtic refused to hand over the 2,200 allocation for the 10 May derby unless the Union Bears ultras group are barred. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Celtic moved level on points with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts as Daizen Maeda's double and a Kieran Tierney strike secured a vital - and at times nervy - win over Falkirk.

Read the match report here.

Have your say on the match here.

Image source, SNS

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill tells BBC Scotland: "Tough game today, knew it would be as well too.

"I thought Falkirk might have shown maybe a hangover from last week, didn't look that way at all.

"They came out and played, and the pitch is so fantastic that anybody would want to play here.

"So from our viewpoint, we're delighted we've won, we played some really decent stuff and stuck at it and at a time when Falkirk came roaring into the game.

"I thought we saw it through, and Daizen Maeda was fantastic.

"He got us a goal last week out of nothing in the first minute of the game, he scores two today, he's been fantastic.

"He's really coming back to form, and it's a good time for us at this minute, he was outstanding today."

Image source, SNS

Martin O'Neill says he is playing a role in future-proofing Celtic beyond the summer - but he insists final decisions rest with the club's board. (Daily Record), external

The interim Celtic boss insists the club's hierarchy are behind the new deals being offered to players, following the contract extensions of Liam Scales, Luke McCowan and James Forrest. (Scottish Sun), external

Captain Callum McGregor warned that he could leave Celtic this summer if the club fail to show ambition and team-mate Forrest agrees. (The Herald - subscription required), external

Interim Celtic manager O'Neill has sung the praises of Arne Engels amid fresh reports suggesting Lazio are interested in the midfielder. (The Herald - subscription required), external

We asked for your thoughts after Liam Scales and Luke McCowan were rewarded with contract extensions at Celtic.

Here are some of your views:

Grant: Cheap biscuit-tin mentality from the board again! Scales is a bomb scare at times - slow at spotting options ahead of him and gives the ball away needlessly. He always has a mistake in him and fouls players constantly, even when under no pressure. McCowan is barely used as a substitute, so why another two years? I'm baffled by these decisions. We should be upgrading, not settling for mediocrity. No wonder we're in the position we're in now. Absolute joke.

John: Who's making these decisions? What if the new manager comes in and decides these players aren't for him? Madness!

Andy: I think it's great. I do want to see McCowan play more. But I'm already fearing this is the club getting ready for another window where players - and potential managers - are touted, only for there to be next to no activity. Then, as deadline day looms, yet again a handful of loans or unfit players with no clubs show up.

Gary: Absolute joke. Neither one is anywhere near good enough. They're supposed to be short-term solutions, not long-term ones. The fact they've given extensions to three below-par players (James Forrest included) is baffling. Somehow we're still in the title hunt, but next season I think we'll be miles off.

Dec: Announcing multi-year deals for players when the club doesn't have a permanent manager is just another layer to the rotting onion that is Celtic FC. Who's to say a new manager will even want Scales and McCowan in their squad next season? McCowan isn't a regular starter in what is the worst Celtic midfield in decades. What has he done to justify a new deal, aside from being a childhood Celtic fan?

Michael: Terrible decision. Both are squad players at best. Scales is a mistake waiting to happen, and McCowan is a bottom-six midfielder in the SPFL.

Image source, SNS

Celtic centre-half Liam Scales returns from suspension, while right-back Alistair Johnston could be back in the squad after long-term injury.

Striker Callum Osmand is also back in training after also recovering from a hamstring problem.

But Jota, Colby Donovan, Julian Araujo, Kasper Schmeichel and Cameron Carter-Vickers remain out.

Falkirk have lost goalkeeper Scott Bain, on-loan Swansea City full-back Filip Lissah and centre-half Liam Henderson through injury.

Louie Marsh and Ethan Williams were already both out for the season.

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Martin O'Neill has been speaking to the media before Celtic entertain Falkirk on Saturday evening.

Here are the key points:

• On Liam Scales' new contract, O'Neill says: "I'm delighted for him, delighted for the football club as well too. He's certainly proved himself this season, I don't know what he was like before I came in, but my two spells here, he's been absolutely outstanding. Certainly he's deserved the contract, he's done brilliantly."

• O'Neill says he encouraged the board to extend Scales' deal, and likewise for James Forrest, who also signed a contract extension this week, adding on the latter: "I think it was a no-brainer, really, he's had a big impact here in games."

• On Luke McCowan, who has also signed a new deal, O'Neill says: "He's done really well again for us. I think that, like anything else, he would like to start more games if he could, but he's been excellent."

• O'Neill insists Celtic are being "proactive" in handing out new contracts despite not having a permanent manager in place. He says: "I think that the new manager coming in, one; would accept that he would definitely want these players. Two; are they fit enough to do the job? Yes. Three; are they good enough to do the job? Absolutely."

• On his role in the club's summer recruitment, O'Neill says: "I haven't really involved myself. I look at the players, I have an opinion. But that's what I have, an opinion, and my opinion might differ from whoever else might come in."

• Full-back Alistair Johnston could return to the squad on Saturday, aiding Celtic in the problem area of right-back. "That's good news for us... we're getting stronger in that sense. Of course, we've missed the big players throughout the course of the year," says O'Neill.

• The Northern Irishman knows that given the number of players who will be coming back from loans in the summer, it will be an "oversized squad" and that is "something you would really have to look into".

• Kelechi Iheanacho, O'Neill says, is "staying fit" when asked if the striker will play more between now and the end of the season: "Overall, he has made a big impact in the last couple of weeks. And it looks as if he's staying fit."

• He adds: "You can see that he's been a player. His control is really good... honestly, I've been really pleased with him. He could easily start in the games."

• On Callum McGregor's comments about the club having to match his ambition, O'Neill says: "I don't know whether it was an entanglement of words, but I've mentioned before, I think we want to try and be proactive."

• He continues: "But when everybody settles down, you'd want Celtic to be properly competitive, really competitive. Because you don't see Hearts going away, you see Rangers getting stronger, and Celtic have got to be ready for those challenges, and if that's the clarion call, well, so be it."

• On Falkirk: "I think that they will be really disappointed not getting to the cup final. The games we've played have been really tough, not just the game that we played down at Falkirk, but the matches here have been tough, and that's exactly what I expect."