“Haissem Hassan will be on the field today without a doubt,” Martin O’Neill | OneFootball

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill spoke to CelticPlayer ahead of the Glasgow Derby match with kick-off fast approaching…

Martin O’Neill arrives at Ibrox. Rangers v Celtic, Premier Sports Cup quarter final. Sunday 13 September 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Celtic will be looking to win a place in the Premier Sports semi-final draw which will take place shortly after the final whistle this afternoon.

There was some reflection from the Celtic manager on his team selections reasoning as Sam Johnstone starts ahead of Viljami Sinisalo and rather surprisingly Haissem Hassan has to settle for a place in the bench.

“I’m excited by it. It’ll be an experience in terms of having no fans. It’s all to play for, I’m looking forward to it,” Martin O’Neill said.

“Haissem Hassan will be on the field today without a doubt. I think sometimes you just have to look at the fixture itself and the intensity of all those things.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup, Rangers versus Celtic; Sam Johnstone of Celtic comes off the team bus. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“Sinisalo has been excellent but it’s a chance now for Sam Johnstone to go and experience an Old Firm game. Trusty has been terrific for us as well, so you could say that about a number of players.

“Discipline is essential here, not to be getting carried away, there’s going to be moments when we’re under intense pressure and we need to see those moments through. It’s discipline and character.”

Come on you Bhoys in Green! Enjoy the game everyone…

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