European Exit Complete - Next Up, Celtic Face a Critical Two-Week Period

With the Europa League behind them, Celtic now face a season-defining two-week spell.

By 14 March, they could be motoring in the league with the momentum on their side and into the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Or, they might find themselves still struggling to retain the championship and staring at a trophyless season.

The initial challenge is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a titanic league match, with Celtic behind Rangers by a couple of points having played one game fewer, with Hearts six clear of the title holders.

This is followed by a journey in midweek to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup last eight and then hosting in-form and formidable Motherwell.

Six of their next seven matches are away from Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic squad is about to be put under severe pressure after a chaotic opening months of the season.

"We can expect a lot of twists and turns," commented a ex-Celtic player. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league is decided on the final day. But they will have to do it over the next five or six games. You have to be utterly consistent, or else they will not win the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Conundrum'

Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's bid to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League, it could yet prove important.

The manager rotated eight of his starting line-up and some of the squad members put in impressive displays to secure the club's maiden win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the decisive goal after just 28 seconds and was a positive influence, while in the defence, Dane Murray stood out in a resilient display.

Murray especially stated his claim to start next to Liam Scales. One magnificent block was notable and he was confident when dealing with set-pieces.

But the most discussed performance was saved for second-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a first Celtic clean sheet in six matches.

The first-choice goalkeeper has faced heavy criticism after a string of mistakes. The 26-year-old stepped in and made several crucial stops, in a display labeled "perfect" by a former Celtic midfielder.

A former Celtic goalkeeper is of the opinion Sinisalo performed well enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some excellent saves and looked calm when he had the ball and had good anticipation," he said. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be giving him the nod. Give him a run in the team now."

The Celtic manager conceded that a number of individuals have given him "food for thought".

"[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room," the manager commented. "He's got a lot of talent."

'Critical' Rangers Challenge Awaits

The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they demonstrated they can battle to a victory.

Historically, Celtic have pitched up and typically sought to control possession from the first whistle to the last against every domestic opponent.

But this more fragile side had looked more and more susceptible this year, regularly letting in more than one goal per game.

Without a victory at Ibrox in their last four visits and given Rangers have won their last ten home matches, a demonstration of toughness in Germany was timely.

Could Celtic take a slightly more pragmatic approach? At this moment, it is all about winning.

"You don't have to have all the possession to win the game," observed an pundit. "You've got to work hard, be solid at the back, get a slice of fortune and have a reliable shot-stopper."

"Celtic have struggled for form this season, but they are still in contention [in the league]. They still have a chance, with a match to spare. The players will pick up great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a decisive one."