Martin O’Neill expresses one Celtic ‘concern’ ahead of showdown against Rangers

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The heavyweight showdown between Celtic and Rangers is now edging ever closer.

After winning at Ibrox earlier on in the season, this Celtic side should have the confidence to make it three points again on December 30.

But that Rangers team is far different to the one that has hit a bit of form under new manager Philippe Clement.

That needs to be taken into account, including the fact that Brendan Rodgers has tasted this fixture before and has that experience of winning the big pressured game.

Martin O’Neill touched upon that point and how that provides Celtic with an ‘advantage’, as he told PLZ Soccer.

But he also expressed his ‘concern’ at the Bhoys’ lack of ‘physicality’ and how that could play a part.

Who sits top of the table heading into the New Year might and should be determined by who secures bragging rights on that day.

Celtic’s lack of physicality

“I think that helps, there is no doubt about it, if you have been there before,” said O’Neill about Rodgers tasting this fixture before in comparison to Clement.

“Particularly if you are able to win. That was a big win for Celtic at Ibrox. Rangers didn’t lay a glove on the young players who came in – and Celtic go and take the spoils in the game.

“My concern about Celtic, which has been proven in the Champions League, is that they need a bit more physicality. I am not just saying you need big brutes playing in the game. Celtic can play some beautiful football, there is no question about it, and they have done so for the last number of seasons.

“But they just need a wee bit of physicality. Rangers have got a couple of players who look strong. I don’t know enough about it. You asked me about Brendan, I think it’s an advantage for him, in that sense. But it depends on how the team goes.”

Brendan Rodgers’ style of play

Neil Lennon has also expressed his concern at Celtic’s lack of bite, so will the club address it in the transfer market? 

The issue here is that Rodgers isn’t the type of manager who likes those hard-hitting and no-nonsense players.

He prefers those technical players who are very good in possession and can cause havoc in the pockets.

The only issue is that, whilst Matt O’Riley has been out of this world this season, a number of the players just haven’t been cooking like he would have liked.