The margin for error in this relentless Scottish Premiership title race has officially vanished.
If Celtic are going to successfully cross the finish line, Martin O’Neill can no longer afford to carry passengers or gamble on wildly inconsistent performers.
Some hard truths must be faced at Lennoxtown before domestic football returns following the March international break.
Here at 67 Hail Hail, we believe the time for blind faith is over. To protect Celtic’s hopes of lifting the title, O’Neill must immediately sideline Kelechi Iheanacho, Sebastian Tounekti, and Reo Hatate.
Do you agree with Charlie Mulgrew, Celtic fans?
Very interesting take!
Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho’s inclusion in the starting XI against Dundee United came completely out of the blue, and frankly, it never should have happened.
While his underlying quality is undeniable, the striker simply cannot be trusted due to his chronic lack of fitness.
It is nothing short of a disgrace that Celtic fans are left wondering if he will even be match-fit after the March international break.
Regardless of his status when domestic action resumes, O’Neill must avoid using him entirely.
Sebastian Tounekti
Tounekti possesses obvious talent, but he undeniably lacks the full package required to be a regular starter for Celtic.
Time and time again, both pundits and fans have rightly pointed out that the winger is vastly more effective when deployed as an impact substitute.
Handing him a starting place only seems to blunt his threat and expose his limitations over a full match.
For the remainder of this crucial title race, his role needs to remain exactly that, and he is better off working his magic from the bench.
Reo Hatate
Yes, Hatate delivered two massive performances at Ibrox this season. We cannot deny that impact.
However, aside from those isolated derby displays, the Japan international simply hasn’t bothered to turn up for the majority of this season.
With Celtic entering the absolute final stretch where they must win every single remaining game to secure the league title, carrying passengers is unforgivable.
Hatate’s head has clearly been elsewhere ahead of an inevitable summer exit.
Thankfully, Arne Engels’ return from injury means O’Neill can finally stop relying on the wantaway midfielder.
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