Martin O’Neill has set out Celtic’s plan for managing returning players, but his comments also underline a more complicated reality inside the squad.
Celtic are not dealing with a straightforward situation where key players return and immediately improve the side.
Some players like Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers will not return for Celtic this season, others remain uncertain, and those currently playing have already delivered results under the title race pressure.
That combination has created a Celtic selection issue for Martin O’Neill but the Hoops boss has a plan to fix it.
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How are you lining up?
Celtic no longer dealing with simple returns as squad picture shifts
The situation becomes clearer when looking at the current availability across the full Celtic squad.
It has already been confirmed that Jota will not return this season, removing one of the previously automatic attacking options from the equation entirely.
At the same time, the full Celtic squad update makes clear that not every absence is on the same timeline, with players like Alistair Johnston being managed more carefully.
There is also no full clarity around the Carter-Vickers situation, which adds further uncertainty to the defensive structure.
O’Neill has outlined both the absence of key players and the approach to those returning, as the Celtic boss told The Scottish Sun, “We will try to get a bounce game for some of the players coming back. That was the plan for Alistair Johnston’s return from his time in Canada.
“We were going to organise that and it would help. We don’t want to rush people back but if they are feeling good and want to have a bounce game, that would be ideal.
“It’s been incredible. I’ve not seen Jota, Carter-Vickers, or Johnston throughout my two spells. These are guys who have in the past been automatic choices. It’s not to say that others haven’t done well. Auston Trusty and Liam Scales have been excellent in central defence, but those other three have been first-picks for other managers.”
Trusty and Scales have not simply covered, they have contributed in meaningful moments, including Celtic’s nervy St Mirren win where the defensive unit held firm.
Celtic are no longer waiting for players to return to restore the team, the team has already adapted without them.
Celtic’s controlled approach reflects uncertainty, not routine management
The way returning players are being handled reflects a reality for Celtic fans. This is not a short-term fix or a simple return to previous selections.
It is a controlled process built around fitness, readiness, and availability. Some players are out completely, others are still building back, and those currently playing continue to hold their place.
That creates a situation for O’Neill where selection decisions are no longer straightforward. Celtic are managing more than a return, they are managing a squad during those absences.
And as the title race nears its conclusion, O’Neill will need to continue to work his magic at Celtic if he is to drag these players over the line with a Scottish Premiership winner’s medal around their necks.
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