The strongest Celtic XI Martin O’Neill would be able to field if it wasn’t for injuries

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic’s season may have been less than impressive, but injuries have played a real part in their struggles.

For the majority of the 2025/26 campaign, key names like Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston have all been out of action for months.

Had they all been available to Martin O’Neill, then things may have been completely different. So, with that, here is how 67 Hail Hail thinks the Bhoys would have lined up with a full strength side.

• READ MORE: This wouldn’t just be Martin O’Neill’s best, but one of Celtic’s best titles ever

Callum thinks this is Celtic’s strongest XI with everyone available…

Where would Celtic be in the table if this team was available every week? Let us know below 🔽

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota feature in Celtic’s strongest XI

Overall, there would be four players that you could make a case for being in Celtic’s strongest XI if all options were available.

Kasper Schmeichel may be finished at the top level, but he still earns a start between the sticks due to the options below him in the pecking order.

Julian Araujo has been a shining light since joining on loan but has to make way for Johnston. Auston Trusty also drops out and is replaced by Carter-Vickers, who reunited with Liam Scales. Kieran Tierney completes the defence.

Moving into the middle of the park and not much is changing from what we have seen in recent weeks. Callum McGregor captains the side and has Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels there in the trio, meaning there is no place for Reo Hatate.

We were all looking forward to seeing Jota this season but a long-term injury means we have to wait until August 2026 for that. He would have almost certainly been the right winger for the season, with Daizen Maeda out on the left.

Leading the line to complete the XI is Tomas Cvancara. Due to the lack of issues up top this season, Cvancara has looked the most capable of them all and would thrive off having someone like Jota to play with.

Where does this Celtic side need improving?

A rebuild is coming to Celtic Park this summer and we are expected to see a lot of change.

Players will certainly be leaving, but where do we need improvement?

Goalkeeper is a huge one and with Schmeichel out of contract, that is surely going to be a priority.

A centre-back to partner Carter-Vickers, maybe two if he goes, will also be a neccessity while finding someone to help provide more defensive cover alongside McGregor in the midfield would be beneficial.

Maeda looks like he is dreaming of his summer exit and while Sebastian Tounekti is here, finding a left winger will be vital.

Rounding off, a striker is also a must, even if Cvancara stays beyond the end of the season. Therefore, almost half of the squad could be changed if everything goes to plan.