Celtic’s last-gasp win at Motherwell on Wednesday night continues to dominate the headlines across the footballing world.
But as Celtic were celebrating a massive three points at Fir Park, and the rest of the footballing world was crying over the penalty award, fans may have missed Martin O’Neill’s continued snub of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The crushing pressure surrounding these post-split fixtures spoke for itself.
This was where Celtic’s mental strength would be tested to the highest order, a scenario that demands the most experienced heads in the squad to step up and prove their worth.
But Oxlade-Chamberlain has only played 12 minutes during these drama-filled post-split fixtures, including not coming off the bench for the last three matches.
Ahead of Celtic’s title showdown with Hearts on Saturday afternoon, and then the Scottish Cup final against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic, it’s pretty clear that Oxlade-Chamberlain has no future at Parkhead.
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Would you extend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract?
Celtic should part ways with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s dramatic winning moment on debut against Livingston was always going to be important, but given that the title race is now going to the final day, the true value of those three points has only grown.
However, when a 32-year-old who has played at the highest level, including for the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, isn’t being used in such pressure situations, you have to question whether he is worthy of a contract extension.
Whatever O’Neill is witnessing at Lennoxtown has clearly convinced him to freeze out such a prominent figure, and in doing so, he is likely making the next Celtic manager’s mind up for him.
Celtic can’t extend Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract, especially if he can’t earn minutes when competing for midfield places alongside players who have struggled for most of the campaign.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Premiership numbers since joining Celtic
It needs to be remembered that Oxlade-Chamberlain was without a club since last summer, before moving to Glasgow in the winter on a free transfer.
There is also a reason behind the versatile midfielder no longer playing in the Premier League, because his levels have seriously dropped since his days at Anfield.
Don’t get it twisted, there are still positives, including some crucial goals, but not enough for the powers that be to bring him back for next season.
- Premiership games: 9
- Starts: 5
- Minutes per game: 47
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 0
- Touches per game: 32.3
- Big chances created: 0
- Accurate opposition half passes: 78%
- Team of the week: 0
- Sofascore rating: 6.86
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