Haissem Hassan defensive shortcomings highlighted amid growing uncertainty over snub

The £6million summer signing was a surprise omission from the matchday squad at Celtic Park, with O’Neill subsequently attributing his absence to increased competition for places.

Hassan has struggled to deliver consistent end product since arriving at the Hoops, while his defensive contribution has also attracted criticism.

However, Mulgrew believes the Egyptian international should have been included ahead of Sebastian Tounekti, who was named among the substitutes.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Mulgrew said: “You’ve got to have an end product as a winger. And if you’ve not got that regularly, you need to at least work hard.

“I think that’s where the manager likes Yang. Because he puts a shift in, he works back the park. Hassan, sometimes, can switch off when Celtic don’t have the ball.

“If you’re going to be that kind of player, you need to be really clinical with your finishing, your crossing or your assists. Because you can’t, carry players.

“But it’s a strange one that Tounekti’s ahead of him on the bench, for me. I find that strange. I don’t understand that. I know Martin O’Neill, the word he said was ‘manoeuvring’ the squad… yeah, I don’t understand why Tounekti’s in there.

“But he’s got some decision to make, and that’s not one that I would’ve made.”

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson echoed concerns about Hassan’s contribution without possession, suggesting his defensive work could become a significant obstacle to securing regular opportunities.

Ferguson added: “When I watch him, he’s good pace, he’ll go on the outside… I don’t think his final ball is great.

“The thing I think is going to go against him is his off-the-ball work. The dirty side of the game. Your wingers are there to go and take people on, but I also think modern-day wingers have got to do their work back the way to work their teammates. That’s something he certainly doesn’t do.”