Next two matches will reveal true character of this Celtic squad | OneFootball

I doubt I’m the only one who has disconnected completely from all things Celtic since Sunday but with Thursday’s home tie against Ferencvaros nearly upon us, its time to dive back in to all things Celtic…

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; James Forrest of Celtic puts the ball in. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Although the disappointment has faded, the worry about the future certainly hasn’t.

The next few days could have a huge impact on how our season pans out. Saying that in mid-September seems almost insane but it’s already been a strange season, with similarities to last season starting to unfortunately appear already.

We look vulnerable, and these next two games will certainly reveal a lot about this team and how the season could unfold.

13th September 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Rangers and Celtic players react on the pitch. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Two games in four days. Two tough opponents who will both be hungry to add to our current woes.

Ferencvaros are no mugs

First up is Ferencvaros in the Europa League at Celtic Park. The Hungarians are no mugs. One point off top spot in their domestic league with a game in hand, they have already beat last season’s champions ETO Gyor 3-0 away from home.

They also had to negotiate four qualifying rounds to get into the Europa League. They remained unbeaten both home and away against all opponents which included some good teams such as Trabzonspor and Twente. This won’t be easy.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Cameron Carter Vickers of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

This game is huge, not just for confidence, but for getting off to a good start in the Europa League. We know our home games are always vital during these European campaigns, so it’s certainly a game we will be looking to take all three points from.

A win here will banish a lot of the demons

A win here will banish a lot of the demons still fresh within the squad’s mind after recent embarrassments against both LASK and the Rangers.

It’s important we come out fired up, the team really needs to get the fans onside early. Any repeat of Sunday’s lack of fight will see the fans get on the team’s back in no time, which won’t help anyone.

13th September 2026; Ibrox. Scottish League Cup, Rangers versus Celtic; Colby Donovan of Celtic challenges Djeidi Gassama of Rangers. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

A win will set Celtic up nicely for the Glasgow Derby

A win here will set us up nicely for our league encounter with our biggest rivals. Even at this early stage this game will be huge regarding how our league campaign unfolds. If we win it’s an EIGHT point cushion over the Rangers, which psychologically will be massive.

It gives us space and time to get things right, to get this team playing the way Martin O’Neill wants them to play without the fear of a slip up costing us dearly.

Two wins and we head off into the extended international break with a solid foundation to work from. We will have proved that lessons have been learned from those defeats in Austria and at Ibrox.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup, Rangers versus Celtic; Celtic manager Martin O’Neill. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Confidence will be high and there will be sufficient time on the training ground for those not on international duty to adapt to the style the management team wants them to implement.

Lose these two games and backlash will be monumental

On the other hand if we lose these next two games, the backlash will be monumental. There are already questions being asked about whether Martin O’Neill and his coaching team were the right choice.

Those questions will intensify and a lot more of the ‘faithful through and through’ supporters will start to join those who have already aired their concerns.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Mika Baur of Celtic on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

A loss in the Europa League isn’t fatal as it’s an eight game league with eleven points or so usually enough to qualify. It will be one home game gone however, and as I mentioned previously it’s important to pick up as many points at home as possible.

A loss on Sunday however will have huge ramifications

A loss on Sunday however will have huge ramifications, leaving the Rangers only two points off us and brimming full of confidence. Without European football they have plenty of time to rest and recuperate during the week, as well as extra time working on things on the training pitch.

We saw first hand how that helped Hearts last season. Having the Rangers eat into our early lead while we face a few months of Thursday-Sunday games is far from ideal and will give them a huge advantage. We need to try and maintain our cushion at the top for as long as possible during this busy period.

13th September 2026; Ibrox. Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Djeidi Gassama of Rangers challenges Colby Donovan of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

More apprehensive than usual

I’m usually pretty positive in these situations but I certainly feel a lot more apprehensive than usual.

The trajectory of our season is up in the air. Questions surrounding this squad’s character is up for debate.

Is it built to withstand turmoil and comes back stronger like so many of our squads over the years? Or is it a squad made up of players who don’t have the required mindset to represent Celtic, who don’t understand what wearing the hoops is all about?

13th September 2026; Ibrox; Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Haissem Hassan of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Come 2pm on Sunday the answer will be clear.

Conall McGinty

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