Martin O’Neill has explained his call to start Sebastian Tounekti against Hibs.
The Celtic winger has seen his minutes decrease towards the end of the season, with James Forrest being preferred to him last weekend.
However, once introduced, Tounekti made an impact with an assist for Daizen Maeda’s second goal, ultimately securing the three points for his side.
Speaking ahead of the game O’Neill addressed the call.
Does Sebastian Tounekti have a future beyond this season at Celtic?
Martin O’Neill: Celtic trying to get Sebastian Tounekti into the game properly
Asked about the decision on Tounekti by Sky Sports, O’Neill said: “Yeah, we have to try and win the game, of course.
“He made an impact when he came off the bench, so he starts today.
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“[We’re] just trying to get him into the game properly, and see if he can take people on and create things for us.”
Asked on the challenge of Hibs, O’Neill said: “Very tough. They did beat us [the last time] — although when Trusty had got sent off, I thought we were in the ascendancy at that particular time.
“But I don’t think that will have any bearing on today’s game. It will be a tough match for us.”
Finally, on whether the team are hitting their stride at the right time of the season, he said: “No, I was asked that question at the press conference yesterday, and I don’t feel that.
“I don’t think that that’s the case. I think that we’re doing really fine, I think that our goalscoring spell in extra time in the game against St Mirren in the semi [gave] us a big boost of confidence to think we can do that there.
“Yeah, and we’re doing fine at this minute. Each game, that’s all you can do: treat a game on its merits. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
The winger has had a hot and cold debut season in Glasgow. Prior to today, he had started just one game in the last six weeks.
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