🚨 Martin O’Neill Could Rejig Celtic System to Accommodate His Best Players
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill could be preparing for a tactical adjustment as he looks for the best way to fit several of his most dangerous attacking players into the same starting XI. With the squad becoming deeper and competition for places increasing, the experienced manager faces an interesting selection puzzle.
The situation has developed partly because of the return of record signing Kasper Høgh and the temporary absence of winger Yang Hyun-jun, who is away with South Korea at the Asian Games. Høgh had missed Celtic’s previous three matches because of a groin problem, while Yang had established himself as one of the team’s brightest attacking players.
One player who has made O’Neill’s decision particularly difficult is Camilo Duran. The Colombian striker has impressed while operating through the middle during Høgh’s absence, scoring three goals and creating another in Celtic’s 2–1 victory over St Mirren. His performances have given O’Neill another compelling reason to consider changing the team’s shape rather than simply dropping one of his in-form attackers.
Duran has previously demonstrated that he can operate in a wider position, despite arriving at Celtic from Qarabag primarily as a striker. That versatility could become extremely valuable if O’Neill decides to put two natural forwards on the pitch together.
Another option is Chelsea loanee Shim Mheuka. The young forward has impressed during substitute appearances and has already shown that he can cause problems for opposing defenders. His development adds even more depth to Celtic’s attacking options and gives O’Neill flexibility when deciding how aggressively he wants his team to play.
The possibility of a return to a 3-5-2 formation has therefore attracted attention. It is a system O’Neill used during his first spell at Celtic, and the shape could allow him to play two forwards while also giving attacking wing-backs freedom to provide width.
A 3-5-2 could potentially allow Høgh and Duran to operate closer together in attack, while Celtic’s midfield would retain an extra player in central areas. It could also provide greater freedom for creative players to move forward without leaving the team too exposed defensively.
However, changing formation is never simply about finding positions for talented individuals. O’Neill must make sure the system remains balanced. Celtic are competing on several fronts, including the Scottish Premiership and Europa League, while a major Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers is also approaching.
The manager has already demonstrated that he is willing to rotate his squad. Celtic’s recent 1–0 victory over St Johnstone, secured by Mika Baur’s first goal for the club, came after O’Neill made five changes to his team. Despite the narrow performance, Celtic maintained their perfect league record with six victories from six.
That winning record gives O’Neill some breathing room. He does not necessarily need to make dramatic changes, but the increasing quality within his squad means he may have to find creative solutions to keep his best players involved.
For Celtic supporters, that could make the coming weeks particularly exciting. Høgh, Duran, Mheuka, Baur and the returning players provide O’Neill with an attacking group capable of offering different solutions.
The biggest question is whether O’Neill sticks with his current system or decides that the best way forward is to build the formation around the players currently in the best form.
Whatever he chooses, Celtic’s growing attacking depth could become one of their biggest strengths as the season develops.
