Celtic

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Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has withdrawn from the Denmark squad for their upcoming World Cup play-off against North Macedonia.

The 39-year-old hasn't featured for Celtic since their 2-1 defeat to Hibernian on 22 February due to illness but has also been struggling with a shoulder injury he picked up on international duty last year.

Celtic welcome Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon and manager Martin O'Neill confirmed in his press conference on Friday that Schmeichel had returned to training but wasn't sure if he'd be fit enough for the squad.

Now the goalkeeper has told Danish media he's had to pull out of international duty.

"I called Brian [Riemer] and said that I cannot play the upcoming World Cup matches here in March," he told Sport TV2, external.

"It really breaks my heart, because throughout my career I've done everything I can to play for the Danish national team. It's simply the biggest thing for me.

"I'm right behind the lads all the way, and I know they'll give their all to qualify for the World Cup.

"A year ago, I dislocated my shoulder against Portugal, but stayed on the field and played on because we did not have any more substitutions. It left me with some lingering effects that I've been able to live with – and to play through.

"However, the last few months have taken a turn for the worse with my shoulder, and it has really caused me problems. Then, we played the Europa League against Stuttgart a few weeks ago, I landed on my shoulder for their first goal and damaged it again."

Schmeichel confirmed that he'll now take a four to six week break from playing in order to focus on healing his shoulder.

Domestically, that could see him miss the majority of what's left of Celtic's Scottish Premiership season.

"I've done everything I could to get fit ever since," he added.

"I've had various treatments, injections, and nerve blocks, and unfortunately, that hasn't made things any better. On the contrary, a nerve was damaged during an injection, and that made me ill as well.

"Now I have to protect my body. The specialists have told me that the only thing that will help my shoulder is a four to six week break. There are matches coming up after this, and there's a new season ahead, and I have to think about that too.

"I can't go on like this. I have to admit that my shoulder isn't right. I won't be able to perform at my best and am forced to withdraw. I hope with all my heart that the lads will now take us to the World Cup."

Out-of-work Ange Postecoglou has teased a change of stance on returning to former clubs - after the Greek-Australian manager previously shut down links to Celtic. (Daily Record), external

Veteran Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has told Denmark head coach Brian Riemer that he is not fit enough to play in their World Cup play-off against North Macedonia later this month and revealed that he has been struggling with a shoulder joint injury for several months. (The Scotsman), external

Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has confirmed holding discussions with Kasper Schmeichel and Celtic about the 39-year-old's recent troubles that have led to Viljami Sinisalo assuming the role of the Scottish champions' number one goalkeeper. (Sport TV2), external

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch will invite injured Celtic and Rangers defenders Alistair Johnston and Derek Cornelius to join the national squad for their upcoming friendlies to exert influence off the field. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney returns, but Callum McGregor remains out with a calf strain and Kasper Schmeichel's availability remains unclear after a shoulder issue.

Auston Trusty completes a three-match league suspension, while Arne Engels (leg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand (both hamstring) are still out.

Motherwell are without on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh and Regan Charles-Cook drops out with an injury, but Lukas Fadinger has shaken off a facial injury.

Johnny Koutroumbis (calf), Callum Hendry (groin) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) remain out.

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Martin O'Neill fears for Celtic's title chances if his side have any more slip-ups.

Celtic, who trail leaders Hearts by five points with just nine games remaining, have already lost seven Premiership matches in a chaotic season and head into Saturday's visit of Motherwell with one win in three league outings.

While O'Neill is pleased with the way Celtic have come through a tricky run of three away games - including two trips to Ibrox - in a week, he feels his side can't afford many more dropped points.

"It's crucial in every aspect [to win on Saturday] because you're running out of games," he said.

"I don't think we could drop too many points and still think we could win the league with the games running down."

Jens Berthel Askou's side could move within two points of Celtic with a win on Saturday in what has been an impressive season for the Fir Park club.

Motherwell boast the best defensive record in the top flight and hadn't lost a league game in 2026 until last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Dundee.

O'Neill expects a "really tough game" and added: "They've had a fantastic time. A bit of a setback last week at Dundee but they really have been the proverbial breath of fresh air for the league.

"They play matches without any real fear. They've been terrific, Hearts have been great this season, Falkirk have been terrific as well. It'll be a real difficult game for us."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to host Motherwell on Saturday.

Here are the main points:

• O'Neill confirms Callum McGregor will be absent for Saturday's game but Kieran Tierney is "in better shape and he'll be there".

• Captain McGregor is suffering from a calf strain but O'Neill admits "he's done well in recovery and we're hopeful for him to be back next week" and stresses it's nothing to do with his previous injury which was an Achilles issue.

• Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is "much better" and trained today but O'Neill says he'll "have a look and see" if the Denmark international will make the matchday squad.

• The Celtic boss insists it's "crucial" Celtic win on Saturday "because you're running out of games".

• He admits: "I don't think we could drop too many points and still think we could win the league with the games running down."

• On the fan disorder following last weekend's cup win at Ibrox, O'Neill "thought there was a lot of emotion and joy" from the Celtic supporters who entered the pitch.

• He worries the potential for a return to regular full away allocations in the derby "will disappear" as "everybody will think it's maybe not worthwhile because of what happened on Sunday".

• While away allocations are smaller for league games, O'Neill says Rangers will be "entitled" to have visiting fans at Parkhead next time, adding: "I don't think anybody's arguing about that."

• On Celtic's performance at the weekend, O'Neill "thought the efforts were big from us" and adds: "It was a brilliant defensive action and I'm pleased we won the game."

• The 74-year-old doesn't think "the atmosphere needed lifting" within Celtic and says: "If anything the result at Aberdeen gave us the lift to go to Ibrox and get a result."

• O'Neill says "it would be great" if the Green Brigade could be back in for Saturday's game, stressing "the sooner it could get sorted, it would be fantastic".

• On the challenge of Motherwell, O'Neill is expecting "a really tough game" against a team who "have been the proverbial breath of fresh air for the league".

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Andy Halliday is predicting a "cracker" of a game when Motherwell visit Parkhead on Saturday and says Celtic's defensive display against Rangers last weekend was an "anomaly".

Celtic managed just one shot throughout the 120 minutes at Ibrox but still progressed to the Scottish Cup semi-final with a penalty shootout victory.

But Motherwell midfielder Halliday is braced for a much more attacking performance when the Steelmen head to the home of the reigning champions.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he said: "I think last week was an anomaly. I've not really seen Celtic play that style, domestically, for as long as I can remember.

"You've got to give them credit for it because it resulted in them getting the job done, winning the penalty shootout and getting through to the next round.

"I'd imagine the injuries played their part. Callum McGregor is such a huge part of what Celtic do on the ball.

"There's still huge question marks, regardless of injuries, about what Martin O'Neill's best team could possibly be.

"I can't see that being the case at Celtic Park. I think they'll have a gameplan to try to dominate the way they can and impose their style of play on Motherwell.

"That being said, Motherwell will have the exact same approach so I think it's going to be a cracker for everyone to watch."

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Celtic have set their sights on Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane as the club searches for a new manager (The Guardian, external)

Celtic will face competition from Cruz Azul if they bid to keep on-loan Bournemouth defender Julian Araujo beyond the end of the season (Scottish Sun, external)

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo is likely to be on the bench for Finland's friendlies in New Zealand this month. (Glasgow Times, external)

Hearts striker Claudio Braga is a signing target for Celtic (Glasgow World, external)

Friday's Scottish gossip

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"Perfectionist" Viljami Sinisalo isn't satisfied despite an impressive run in the Celtic starting line-up.

The Finland goalkeeper, afforded an opportunity by an illness to Kasper Schmeichel, has impressed in helping Martin O'Neill's side emerge unbeaten from a treacherous four-game away run in three competitions.

Sinisalo came in for the 1-0 victory in Stuttgart as Celtic won on German soil for the first time, followed by victory over Aberdeen, a league draw at Ibrox and Scottish Cup shootout win over Rangers.

But the 24-year-old feels he has more to give.

"I'm trying to be as good as I can for him [O'Neill] to help the team win and I'm obviously trying to learn every time I play," he told CelticTV, external.

"I'm probably my own biggest critic in terms of I'm a perfectionist - I want to be perfect, and I want to do things better and better.

"It's just about listening to the staff, the manager, [Stevie] Woods and everyone else, and taking on board what I can do better in whatever way to help the team be successful."

Celtic head into Saturday's game against Motherwell five points above Jens Berthel Askou's side and five points behind league leaders Hearts.

Hearts travel to Kilmarnock on Saturday night while third-placed Rangers, who sit a point behind Celtic, are away to St Mirren on Sunday.

"A lot of people might write us off," Sinisalo added.

"But Celtic's not going to go anywhere, we're going to fight until the very last game.

"And that's what we've done, we've come away from those four really difficult away days, all within their own right difficult in different ways, and taken some positive results out of them, so I'm happy."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk boss John McGlynn says the fan disorder at last week's Old Firm match has set Scottish football back "30 or 40 years".

Celtic fans initially spilled on to the pitch in celebration after a 4-2 win on penalties in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox before some Rangers supporters charged towards them.

Flares were thrown as police and stewards formed a barricade to separate the two groups of supporters. Nine people have been arrested in connection with the violent scenes that resulted in injuries to police officers, stewards and members of the public.

McGlynn says he feels it's a sad moment for the Scottish game when there has been so much to enjoy about this season.

"It doesn't paint a very nice picture," he said.

"It's a beautiful game, it's so cold, but there's nothing much beautiful about it.

"The game itself wasn't a great game of football and what happened afterwards, and by all accounts maybe what happened before, and all the rest of it, it's really taken us back maybe 30 or 40 years to Hampden and police horses on pitches and all that type of thing.

"It's sad. I'm football, I bleed football as you know, and it's not nice."

McGlynn hopes when Falkirk meet Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden in a few weeks there are no incidents between fans who have clashed in the past.

"I'm obviously concerned because there's bad blood between Falkirk and Dunfermline," he said.

"I'm just hoping that our game goes along and the football does the talking and there's no nonsense."

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Four days on on from the unsavoury scenes that followed Celtic's Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Rangers at Ibrox, there has been no response from either club.

Following the final whistle on Sunday, supporters of both clubs ran on to the Ibrox pitch and clashed as stewards and police separated the two sets of fans.

Since then, nine people have been arrested in connection with incidents that took place and Chief Constable Jo Farrell criticised the clubs for not condemning the disorder.

But The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan doesn't think the silence from Rangers and Celtic is a bad thing.

"I'm okay with that," McGowan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "I know that's a minority view.

"Jo Farrell, the chief constable, said that she thought it was out of order, that they should be saying something.

"I understand that viewpoint but my worry would be that anything you do say would make things worse because you have two sets of fans who are desperate to point fingers at the other side of the city.

"It would be difficult for those clubs to come out and criticise their own fans for their own conduct without incurring the wrath and sparking some kind of civil war, particularly at Celtic where there's already one raging.

"And it wouldn't be helpful at all if they came out and pointed fingers at 'the other lot'.

"I don't think that would look good in the eyes of politicians. I don't think it would look good in eyes of the police. I don't think the SFA would necessarily welcome that."

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• Celtic have only lost one of their past 31 home games against Motherwell in all competitions (W26 D4), going unbeaten in their last 17 (W15 D2) since a 2-1 league defeat in December 2015.

• After their 2-0 win in December, Motherwell are looking for back-to-back league victories over Celtic for the first time since April 2013 under Stuart McCall.

• After their 2-1 defeat at Dundee last time out, Motherwell could suffer back-to-back league defeats for just a second time this season; the previous occasion in October included a 3-2 defeat away to Celtic (also 2-1 v Falkirk).

• Celtic have both scored (10 goals) and conceded (eight) in their past five league games (W3 D1 L1); they last did so in six successive Scottish Premiership matches in April/May 2017.

• Celtic's Kieran Tierney has five goals in 26 Scottish Premiership games this season (including two in his last two), as many as his previous 102 appearances in the competition prior to 2025-26. Tierney also has seven assists in the competition this term, his joint-most in a league campaign in his career (also seven in 2017-18).

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor is a significant doubt for Saturday's visit of Motherwell but Scotland defender Kieran Tierney could return for the defending Premiership champions. (Scottish Sun), external

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

To continue a recent theme, it turns out Martin O'Neill does indeed still have a few wonders left up his sleeve.

I floated the notion on these pages last week that he must be flat out of miracles. Apparently not.

Arguably one of the weakest Celtic sides to take to Ibrox in the past couple of decades still managed to grind out a famous cup win, albeit soured by infamy from both ends shortly thereafter.

Credit must go to the players, particularly the defensive unit, for an extraordinary display of defiance. More credit, however, must be reserved for the manager who has, like a surgeon in intensive care, completely restored the fragile patient's backbone.

A Celtic side that was weak, error prone and easily beaten has, since O'Neill's second coming, become strong, disciplined and resolute.

Entertaining and free-flowing they are not, but winning by any means necessary will do at present. The Northern Irishman is delivering in spades on that front.

When Celtic lost calamitously at home to Stuttgart last month before crumbling on their own ground against Hibs, their season was hanging by a thread. Facing four games in 11 days in Germany, Govan and Aberdeen, the job appeared Herculean.

The greatest of Greek heroes was given 12 seemingly impossible tasks. O'Neill has one fewer to navigate as there will be 11 matches left in Celtic's season should they reach the Scottish Cup final.

He doesn't have to slay the Hydra or Nemean Lion but he does, once again, have to extract every ounce of quality, energy and resilience from a squad that looks out on its feet.

Literally, in some instances. While Kieran Tierney's absence from the weekend derby win may be rectified by the time Motherwell pitch up to Celtic Park on Saturday, it looks unlikely captain and talisman Callum McGregor will be fit as quickly.

The number of games he misses may well have a close correlation to the team's chances of silverware. Making O'Neill's job harder still as he eyes the last in a series of really big games.

With the greatest respect to Dundee and St Mirren, Celtic's toughest pre-split match is the Steelmen's imminent visit. Win that and Celtic would be within two points of leaders Hearts before they kick off at Kilmarnock this weekend.

Picture that scenario. When Derek McInnes' men saw off Aberdeen at Tynecastle 10 days ago, Celtic were nine points adrift as they prepared to head across the city for the first of two potentially season-defining derbies on away soil.

Victory on Saturday brings the gap down to just a couple of points, at least for a few hours. The champions' midweek commitments are no more. It's one match a week for the next two months.

Five of their remaining nine league games are likely to be at Parkhead. Like an exhausted marathon runner finally getting a clear view of the finish line, the next task for Celtic's modern-day Hercules is to summon the superhuman collective strength required to hunt down the long-time leaders.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Once the hysteria of Sunday's unlikely cup win - and the fallout from the Ibrox pitch invasion - eventually fades, perhaps Celtic fans will ask themselves: 'How did we win that?'

Registering just one shot, which was off target, compared to Rangers' 24, Martin O'Neill's resolute side managed to drag themselves to extra time before breaking their rivals' hearts in a dramatic Scottish Cup quarter-final penalty shootout.

It will forever be unknown what influence injured captain Callum McGregor would have had on Celtic's performance, but many have suggested his absence played a big part in the lack of control from O'Neill's men.

One week on from the 2-2 draw at the same venue, Celtic's possession dropped from 55% to 41%, while their passing accuracy went from 78% to 72%.

Perhaps that was down to a change of approach, as well as the missing presence of their midfield dictator, with the away side opting to go long with 17% of their total passes, as opposed to 9% the previous weekend.

It is also very possible this change of approach was encouraged by there being no McGregor to play his usual in-possession role of constantly offering himself as a passing option as Celtic aim to dominate the ball and build attacks.

The 32-year-old has at times been criticised for not performing at his top level amid a turbulent season for the Parkhead side, although there will now be fears about how long the former Scotland international will be absent for at such a crucial stage of the season.

But how have Celtic coped without McGregor in the past?

Trying to find a suitable sample size to answer that is difficult, given the amount of games the midfielder plays. He has played in every league game this term and has missed 13 across the previous three Premiership campaigns.

In those 13 matches, Celtic have won 11, which suggests they can cope without their captain, losing the two others - Rangers last term and Hearts the season before.

However, the caveat is this is a far weaker team in terms of quality and availability, with fellow midfielder Arne Engels out and leader-like characters Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston also still missing.

Celtic right-back Julian Araujo could be set for an international recall with Mexico for the first time in nine months after head coach Javier Aguirre revealed he has been in talks with the on-loan Bournemouth 24-year-old. (Scottish Sun), external

With Boca Juniors planning to sell Marcelo Saracchi this summer, a permanent move to Celtic could depend on the on-loan 27-year-old being content to play back-up at left-back to Kieran Tierney. (Football Insider), external

Viljami Sinisalo's form could mean Celtic target a back-up goalkeeper for the 24-year-old Finland goalkeeper rather than a replacement for first choice Kasper Schmeichel, who is highly likely to leave this summer. (Football Insider), external

The Rangers Fan Advisory Board and the Rangers Supporters' Association have criticised Police Scotland for the way Celtic fans were able to "storm the turnstiles before the match" and "invade the pitch" and for the "chronic lack of segregation on Helen Street" before and after Sunday's troubled Old Firm derby. (The National), external

The Celtic Fans Collective has raised concerns about the way visiting fans were treated on the approach to Ibrox, bus parking and the turnstiles before Sunday's Old Firm derby and called for action from Police Scotland and Celtic Football Club while saying that head of safety, security and operations Mark Hargreaves' "absence on the day" makes his position untenable. (The Herald), external

Police Scotland Chief Inspector Emma Croft says Rangers and Celtic need to do more to engage with fans, especially ultra groups, and set some new ground rules and boundaries as to what they are accepting of their fans. (Glasgow Times), external

Falkirk striker Brian Graham admits taking his 10-year-old son to his first Old Firm game was one of the worst decisions of his life, describing the scenes at the end as "absolutely horrific". (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Tino
Fan writer

In all the noise and fallout after Sunday, it's easy to forget the actual football.

Everything that followed the final whistle has taken centre stage and the debate around it will rumble on for some time.

But buried inside what might be the biggest smash and grab at Ibrox in years were a couple of performances that deserve far more credit than they've been getting.

Two players in particular stood tall for Celtic on a day that demanded character as much as quality. Auston Trusty and Liam Scales.

They're not always the first names supporters rush to praise. In fact, both have taken their fair share of criticism in a Celtic shirt. But on Sunday they delivered the kind of performance that reminds you why mentality matters in games like this.

For 120 minutes they put their bodies on the line. Blocks, headers and clearances - again and again they stood firm as Celtic dug in. When the pressure was at its highest and the team were hanging on, those two were right in the thick of it.

Then came the penalties. With the shootout level at 1-1 after James Tavernier's early miss, up stepped Trusty. And if you're telling me you weren't on the edge of your seat when the big American walked forward, I'm not sure I believe you.

But those fears were completely misplaced. Trusty looked the calmest man in the stadium, coolly sending Jack Butland the wrong way before rolling the ball into the opposite corner.

From that moment the momentum was with Celtic. Reo Hatate and Tomas Cvancara did the rest, while Djeidi Gassama's miss sealed the outcome.

And one key detail that emerged afterwards says everything about the mindset of Trusty's defensive partner, Scales.

As captain for the day, the Irishman was lined up to take Celtic's fifth penalty if it had been required. A centre-back, playing left-back on the day, who has never taken a penalty in his professional career - yet willing to step forward in one of Celtic's biggest moments in years.

Whatever you think of him technically, that speaks volumes about his character. Having two defenders among the first five takers shows just how ready both Trusty and Scales were to shoulder responsibility when it mattered most.

Scales captained Celtic on a day that will live long in the memory, later describing it as one of his proudest moments in the shirt. It's easy to see why.

Now the focus turns to finishing the job in the weeks ahead - both in the Scottish Cup and the Premiership.

But whatever happens next, one thing after Sunday is beyond doubt. The character of this Celtic side under Martin O'Neill, and of leaders like Trusty and Scales, is unquestionable.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external