O’Neill’s confusing picture over two key injuries

Martin O’Neill has delivered a confusing picture over injuries to Julian Araujo and Kasper Schmeichel.

The Celtic boss is a master of giving very little away in reply to any question.

After the 3-1 win over Motherwell he surpassed himself by introducing Schmeichel to an answer on the fitness of Araujo.

For good measure he also managed to bring in Arne Engels then concluded by saying that he was talking crap.

After two epic performances at Ibrox Araujo was a surprise absence from the team to face Motherwell.

Colby Donovan started the win over Motherwell with Tony Ralston making a late substitute appearance.

In goals Vil Sinisalo had a few moments of concern but was generally assured and confident, making his fifth successive appearance.

TRADEMARK DELIVERY FROM O’NEILL!

After a hectic schedule of fixtures on the back of the transfer window O’Neill can now settle down to training and match preparations.

Medical updates, reaction to supporter issues and other matters can now be parked until Friday’s media conference.

3 minutes 15 seconds

Have you got any update on Julian Araujo?

Julian, I’m hoping that he should be alright for next week.

The answer is, I don’t know if you think I should, but things seem to change all the time.

I didn’t realise that, for instance, even Kasper trained yesterday. Yeah, he’s definitely got a bit of a problem with it. You’re hoping that it wouldn’t have been as long as he’s suggesting. But we’ll see where we are.

Julian’s had a bit of a thigh strain, it’s one of those, you’re hoping it’s not going to be as serious as Arne.

But it may be, so I can’t give you any… And I seem to just contradict myself most of the time. So by Tuesday, I’ll have a totally different update. And you’ll think to yourself, is he trying to play games? The answer is, I’m not, I just genuinely don’t know.

And sometimes, like myself, when I wasn’t having a really great time, I picked up an injury along the way, generally driving. So it was a bit of a problem. I know how players feel. Sorry, I’m talking crap.

That last comment was typical of O’Neill. Part of him enjoys the jousting of media conferences, another part of him would rather never be questioned again.

MASSIVE SET BACK FOR CELTIC’S NEXT OPPONENTS

Next week’s opponents Dundee United aren’t short of problems of their own.

Leading 2-0 in the 90th minute of the Derby at Dens Park they managed to lose two goals in stoppage time.

Jim Goodwin described those losses as pathetic. He has a difficult week ahead on the training ground trying to lift the players that he criticised.

Before Celtic take to the pitch at Tannadice they’ll be aware of how their titles rivals have fared.

Derek McInnes and Danny Rohl’s sides will be in action on Saturday, at home to Dundee and Aberdeen respectively.

With none of the top three in convincing form it looks like points could be getting dropped every weekend.

After Tannadice there is an international break. Celtic are then away to Dundee and at home to St Mirren before the post-split fixtures are announced.