Celtic duo eye Double after 6-2 semi, Iheanacho backed for Nigeria return
Analysis flags Celtic fitness and selection issues: Iheanacho minutes, Maeda role, McGregor playing through pain, Forrest impact but not 90 minutes. O’Neill must juggle to sustain Double hopes.
Lazio are reportedly in talks to sign Arne Engels after Celtic rejected £25m from Nottingham Forest in January. Any move hinges on Maurizio Sarri’s future and Lazio’s plans for Dele-Bashiru’s replacement.
Ronny Deila says the Tel Aviv derby matches Glasgow’s atmosphere after Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 1-0 win. Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros slip in the title race amid links to Celtic’s post-O’Neill era.
Opinion argues Celtic should start Daizen Maeda, Kelechi Iheanacho and James Forrest after their extra‑time surge vs St Mirren, with Yang and Tounekti as impact options during the title run‑in.
Viljami Sinisalo says Celtic’s tight‑knit squad believe they can win the Double, urging strong home displays and cleaner defending as the Premiership race with Hearts and Rangers enters the final five games.
Celtic consider a £1m option to cover Kieran Tierney at left-back, despite the player never featuring there for the club.
James Forrest, 34, wants a new one-year Celtic deal, saying he doesn’t want to go anywhere else as he targets the Double and insists he can still contribute.
O’Neill says Cvancara was left out for rotation and must fight for his place. Schmeichel remains contracted, with a possible operation under review and an update due midweek.
Ex‑Celtic keeper Joe Hart says coaching is not for him after a one‑off stint with Shrewsbury, citing family life and the 24/7 demands: ‘I can only be all in’ and he will not pursue it professionally.
Forrest praises Neil Lennon but says Celtic’s cup push is for Martin O’Neill. The winger made a key assist in the 6-2 semi win and hopes to add silverware before his deal expires.
Ryan Stevenson doubts Celtic’s title hopes despite their 6-2 extra-time surge v St Mirren, suggesting Hearts and Rangers will be stronger in the run-in.
Pat Nevin says Andy Robertson could consider boyhood club Celtic if Tottenham are relegated, despite reports he has ‘verbally agreed’ to join Spurs. Atletico Madrid are also mentioned as an option.
Radio host Ewen Cameron brands Celtic ‘awful’, guarantees they will not win the Premiership and vows to wear the full kit of the champions if proved wrong, backing Hearts to take the title.
St Mirren’s Alex Gogic defends Ryan Mullen after criticism for his early error and injury in the 6-2 extra-time loss to Celtic, calling abusive tweets ‘disgraceful’.
Ex-Nigeria star Mutiu Adepoju urges Kelechi Iheanacho’s Super Eagles recall after the Celtic striker hit a semi-final extra-time brace in the 6-2 win over St Mirren and continued his recent scoring run.
Opta’s model tips Rangers for the title, with Hearts second and Celtic third. Celtic host both rivals and have three home games, keeping Double hopes alive after a 6-2 SF win over St Mirren in extra time.
On loan at Preussen Munster, Shin Yamada ended a 10‑month drought with a late header in a 4-1 loss to Schalke. The Celtic striker has three years left on his deal after 11 scoreless Hoops appearances.
Ex-Celt Jack Hendry could join Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ettifaq. Celtic’s Anthony Ralston targets a Double and pushes for Scotland selection after scoring in the 6-2 semi win.
O’Neill hails Lennon’s achievements at Celtic and Leicester but vows to beat Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final, putting friendship aside for Hampden glory.
