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CELTIC ARE STILL IN THE RUNNING

Sunday Mail

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February 08, 2026

Our panel of pundits tackle the burning questions at Parkhead but insist boss O'Neill can still upset odds

- RYAN MCDONALD, GRAEME YOUNG and MICHAEL GANNON

To call it a dramatic time would be underselling the bonkers nature of a Celtic season for the ages. In a campaign when problems haven't been hard to seek, it's still feasible the Premiership champions - winners of 13 of the past 14 topflight titles - could retain their crown, win the Scottish Cup and win their first knockout tie in Europe for 22 years. But there's been lowlights and drama with Brendan Rodgers dramatically exiting, Wilfried Nancy flopping and Martin O'Neill saving the day twice. Then throw into the mix fans' unrest at the board over transfers and the direction of travel of the club under the guidance of principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. It's a recipe for festering anger on a weekend when the Celtic Fan Collective urged a boycott of last night's Scottish Cup clash with Dundee. But there are green shoots of recovery with O'Neill mustering spirited displays to keep Celtic alive on three fronts.

look at the big talking points facing Scottish football's dominant force in one of their most contentious campaigns in recent memory.

WILL Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain be a difference maker at Celtic?

RYAN: “It all depends on whether he manages to stay fit.

“He hasn't played any competitive football since May and his injury record is an obvious concern.

“But Celtic are crying out for fresh legs and quality in the middle of the park. If the former England international can get back up to speed, he could prove a valuable asset between now and the end of the season.

“He'll either be an Aaron Ramsey or an Aaron Mooy.”

GRAEME: “If he proves his fitness, Celtic have signed someone who seamlessly fits what they look for in a player.

“His injury record is an obvious concern but his transition from a free-spirited attacker to a tactically-aware midfielder under Jurgen Klopp was clear to see.

“Adding a player who can roll his sleeves up and crash into the box would be invaluable.

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