Celtic proved our desire in Bologna, today is a bigger test

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The Celtic Star

·25 January 2026

Celtic proved our desire in Bologna, today is a bigger test

Bologna more than proved our desire, today will be a much bigger test…

Celtic FC line up during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Despite losing a two goal lead on Thursday against Bologna, the players deserve great credit for sticking to the task after playing more than an hour with ten men due to Reo Hatate’s second yellow card.

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Urged on by a animated and passionate Martin O’Neill at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, they fought for every ball, and each other. They desperately wanted something to show for their efforts, and they came away with a precious point that keeps qualification for the Europa League play-offs in our own hands.

Martin O Neill, manager of Celtic reacts after the match Bologna v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Renato Dall Ara Stadium, Bologna, Italy – 22 January 2026. Photo Michael Zemanek Shutterstock

It also bodes well with the battle for the title now at a decisive stage. As much as Thursday evening was a huge test of our character, this afternoon’s clash will be even tougher, considering what’s at stake.

Tynecastle has always been a tough hostile environment for Celtic, but with the Jambos now at the top of the pile, and clearly battling for the title, it’s going to be all that tougher for the Celtic players, and an occasion they will need to relish if they are to be successful.

Not only will we have 95 percent of the ground against us, we also know that we can’t afford to slip up if want to successfully defend our title, losing is unthinkable, a draw is not much good either, we need to win, nothing else will be acceptable to the Celtic players.

Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic celebrates. Bologna v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, Renato Dall Ara Stadium, Bologna, Italy – 22 January 2026. Photo Michael Zemanek IMAGO/Shutterstock

To overcome all these obstacles takes not only ability, but a tough mindset. Martin O’Neill is a proven experienced manager, and more importantly he’s a winner with the track record to back it up. His experience and man management skills will be extremely valuable leading up to the clash in the capital.

The squad is also littered with players who boast a bucketload of experience, with a stack of winners medals between them to more than prove their credentials, and they will need to call on all that character and expertise in the cauldron that is Tynecastle, if they are to prevail and earn all three points.

Jota of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mate Reo Hatate during the SPL | Premier League match between Dundee United FC and Celtic FC at Tannadice Park on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Hearts have three of their top performers missing and much has been made of this factor all week long, yet no regard is given to Celtic missing Jota for the entire season plus Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston for much of the campaign.

Brian Wilson, Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Our biggest problem though has been the Celtic Board who conspired against Brendan Rodgers, failed to see that they had landed on their feet with the appointment of Martin O’Neill backed by Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham who they removed ahead of the last match against Hearts to bring in rookie boss Wilfried Nancy who got beat at lost 12 points in 33 days, allowing Hearts – who had been reined in by MON – to open up the current six points lead.

Celtic v Falkirk 29.10.2025 Scottish Premiership. Martin O’Neill, Shaun Maloney, Gavin Strachan and Mark Fotheringham Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

For the second time in one season today is a rescue mission for Martin and if he pulls it off and goes onto win the league it will be one of the most incredible title triumphs in Celtic’s unbroken history.

We couldn’t have a better man to pin our hopes on.

In Martin we Trust. COYBIG.

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