Celtic target calm reset as McGregor sets win tally amid Schmeichel blow
Hotline callers slam Celtic after the 2-0 Dundee United loss, criticise Tannadice pitch excuses, target Yang and Nygren, and compare Callum McGregor unfavourably while calling for a 4-4-2 switch.
Ex-Celtic captain Scott Brown admits he is ‘raging’ at Ayr United’s eight-game winless run but vows to turn it around as they chase a Championship playoff spot amid fan unrest.
Robbie Savage backs Celtic to win the title due to the ‘Martin O’Neill factor’ despite sitting third after a 2-0 defeat at Dundee United, while O’Neill demands consistency and stronger character.
Shin Yamada is set to return after a goalless loan at Preussen Munster. The £1.5m striker failed to score for Celtic in 11 outings and has three years left on his Parkhead deal.
Joel Mvuka’s £4m permanent move fell through after a failed medical. He joined Celtic on loan instead but has struggled, with Norway’s Freddy Toresen claiming Bodo/Glimt wanted him back before the switch.
Callum McGregor accepts Celtic have ‘manufactured’ a three-way title race, urges calm and says they need at least five or six wins from the final seven games, starting away at Dundee on 5 April.
Kasper Schmeichel, 39, will have two shoulder operations after severe tears and dislocation, facing up to 12 months out and raising fears over his future, ruling him out for Celtic’s run-in and Denmark’s play-offs.
From a 1917 0-0 at Aberdeen to 1962 and 1973 wins, a 3-0 over Rangers in 1991, and the 2010 4-0 loss at St Mirren that ended Tony Mowbray’s reign, Celtic’s 24 March is packed with highs and lows.
Throwback quotes show Brendan Rodgers urged Celtic in 2018 to invest to compete in Europe, citing clubs like Zenit, Napoli and Dortmund, echoing current calls amid strong finances but squad needs.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo hails Yang Hyun-jun’s improved Celtic form, recalling him after the 2-0 Dundee United defeat. Callum McGregor urges calm and says Celtic must ‘dial in’ for the run-in.
After Kelechi Iheanacho underperformed in the 2-0 loss at Dundee United, a £5m Celtic player who has not yet started up front is touted as a possible replacement for the number nine role.
Benjamin Nygren says he understands fans’ anger amid protests, citing failure to meet Celtic’s demands after Rodgers’ exit, boardroom unrest and a damaging 2-0 loss to Dundee United in the title race.
European World Cup play-offs feature 13 current or former Celtic and Rangers figures, while Scotland prepare for friendlies against Japan and the Ivory Coast ahead of the USA tournament.
Ex-Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew admits he fears Rangers could ‘dominate’ if they win the league, though he would prefer Hearts to stop them after Celtic’s 2-0 defeat left them third.
Chris Sutton blasts Celtic’s ‘amateur hour’, says Martin O’Neill ‘isn’t having’ January signings and calls Kelechi Iheanacho ‘downright lazy’, doubting Celtic’s title hopes after the 2-0 loss at Dundee United.
