Celtic’s next tough fixture is the visit of Motherwell on Saturday and Martin O’Neill has rated Kieran Tierney and Callum McGregor’s chances of being fit for the big game.
Motherwell are the form team in the league and are flying high in fifth place in the Scottish Premiership table.
As for Celtic, a win would close the gap to Hearts to two points for a few hours and O’Neill believes that his captain, Callum McGregor could struggle to be fit for the visit of the Fir Park side.
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Martin O’Neill admits McGregor is doubtful with hope on Celtic defender Tierney
Celtic’s injury issues are such that it has been virtually impossible for the manager to field a full-strength team this season.
And it looks like that could be the case for Celtic’s fixture against Motherwell as O’Neill told Celtic TV, “Certainly, Kieran would have a better chance of playing at this moment, but we will see.
“Callum has been terrific for us and an incredible player and captain for the club.
“He’s done really well, and the sooner we can get him back on the field, the better it will be for us.”
Tierney and McGregor’s Celtic replacements?
For Kieran Tierney, the option is pretty straightforward. Marcello Saracchi will slot into the left fullback position if the Scotland defender is ruled out.
As for McGregor, this is a little bit trickier. With Arne Engels out and Paulo Bernardo’s form dropped off a cliff, Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan are the obvious replacements.
However, Hatate has been blowing hot and cold this season and McCowan’s performances have been decent when called upon.
The Japan midfielder seems to be the obvious choice, but with no margin for error in the final nine games of the season, O’Neill has a big decision to make come Saturday.
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