Celtic's New Attack Dynamics with O'Neill

Martin O’Neill will take a stronger hand into Celtic’s next outing – but he knows exactly what he’s losing as well.

The manager confirmed that striker Kasper Hogh has returned to training over the past couple of days, with Kieran Tierney also back working with the squad this morning. Both are in the frame for selection, with Hogh judged the likelier to feature as Celtic look to sharpen their attacking edge.

There are, O’Neill admitted, “a couple of other fitness issues for players”, but the overall picture up front is far brighter than it was a year ago.

Young firepower and a different Celtic attack

O’Neill has been especially struck by 18-year-old forward Leo Mheuka, whose emergence adds another dimension to the front line.

“I expect him to do well. He looks a player,” O’Neill said. “I wouldn’t want to be throwing a host of accolades in someone’s direction if they’re not up for it, but I think he’s definitely capable.”

That talent now feeds into a deeper pool of options. With Hogh, Mheuka, Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand all available to him, O’Neill is clear that Celtic are operating on a different level in attack compared with last season.

He did not hide how stark the contrast feels.

Last term, he admitted, he was “wondering where the goals were going to come from”. Now, there is competition, variety and, crucially, genuine belief that the goals can be spread across the front line.

Yang blow as Asian Games call bites

Just as the attack begins to look fully stocked, Celtic must cope without one of their most influential wide players.

South Korea winger Yang Hyun-jun will miss the next four games due to Asian Games duty, a spell O’Neill described as a “big miss” for his side.

“He’s playing exceptionally well for what he does with the ball,” O’Neill said. “It’s terrific, he’s scored a couple of very important goals for us. And what he’s doing without the ball, I don’t think anybody could question his workrate.

“He’s been great since I’ve come in here. I think he’s just responded to a bit of encouragement.”

Losing that blend of end product and relentless pressing strips Celtic of a key outlet on the flank, just as Yang was hitting his stride.

Johnstone’s ambition and the battle for No 1

At the other end of the pitch, Joe Johnstone’s determination to claim the gloves long term has impressed his manager.

O’Neill called it “really pleasing” that Johnstone is openly targeting the Celtic number one spot and pointed to his pedigree as proof of what he can offer.

“It’s not that long ago he was involved with the England squad,” O’Neill noted. “He’s determined, he’s looked really good in training, and at some stage he will get into a game because it will be necessary for him.”

The message is clear: the door is open, and the standard is high. Johnstone will get his chance; it is up to him to grab it.

Respect for Valakari’s St Johnstone

Before that, Celtic must deal with a St Johnstone side O’Neill plainly respects.

He described Simo Valakari’s team as “really talented” and praised their approach with the ball and their energy without it.

“It’s nice to see them. They want to play football as well and they’re committed. There’s a vitality about them which is very encouraging,” he said, drawing a parallel with “what Craig McLeish is doing at St Mirren.”

Celtic, then, walk into a contest where their improved forward options, the loss of Yang, and a hungry goalkeeper all sit against the backdrop of opponents determined to play. The tools are there. The question now is whether O’Neill’s reshaped side can turn that promise into something more ruthless.