HOOPS CAN HOLD HEADS HIGH

Win in Germany sets O'Neill's men up for Old Firm challenge

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

MARTIN O'NEILL insists Celtic's historic first win in Germany was the perfect boost ahead of Ibrox - with several stars bang in the frame to face Rangers.

The Hoops boss gave a number of fringe men a run-out and they responded with a battling 1-0 win against Stuttgart to salvage some Europa League pride following last week’s first-leg mauling in Glasgow.

Celts exited the competition but boosted confidence going into Sunday's Old Firm Premiership showdown.

Keeper Viljami Sinisalo was handed the gloves in place of Kasper Schmeichel - and O'Neill admitted he’s now got several selection dilemmas for the weekend.

O'Neill said: “Of course it does, absolutely. It's not as if we played some 16-year-olds, you know. Players have all played, but some have played less football than others in recent times.

"And I thought that everybody came through with flying colours.

"I think Sinisalo did really well. I'm delighted for him, he's a lovely lad.