Three Weeks To Save Celtic’s Champions League Dream

The countdown has started to that dreaded time. Celtic and Champions League qualifying.

In just three weeks, Martin O’Neill must submit his squad to UEFA.

By then, the manager needs to know exactly what he has at his disposal.

Right now?

There are reasons for concern.

There are still far too many question marks.

The Attack Is Finally Taking Shape

Kasper Høgh looks set to become Celtic’s record signing in a deal worth around £11 million.

Alongside Camilo Durán, who has already shown encouraging signs during pre-season.

Between them, the pair contributed 16 goals and assists in the Champions League last season.

That’s exactly the type of European pedigree Celtic has lacked in recent years.

However, if any fan saw any pre-season game so far, they’d see the spine of the team is the issue.

The Goalkeeper Situation Still Doesn’t Feel Settled

Further forward, things are seemingly more clear.

At the back, there are still concerns.

The goalkeeper position remains unclear.

Viljami Sinisalo has performed well whenever called upon, yet Celtic continue to be linked with another number one.

Until that situation is resolved, it remains an unnecessary distraction.

The last thing Celtic need heading into Champions League qualifiers is uncertainty in arguably the most important position on the pitch.

Greg Taylor’s Return Makes Not A Lot Of Sense

Greg Taylor now looks increasingly likely to return on loan.

He may understand the demands of playing for Celtic, but his time already at the club showed he doesn’t match the level needed.

The obvious signing all supporters want is Marcelo Saarachi.

But instead the board decided to pull the divide even further between that of the fans and the club with speculation over a return for Taylor.

Keep Alistair Johnston At All Costs

If there’s one player Celtic simply cannot afford to lose before the qualifiers, it’s Alistair Johnston.

There are rumours of Everton replacing Seamus Coleman with the Canadian… swap deal anyone??

All jokes aside, the sensible approach is to keep him until qualification is secured.

Tony Ralston has been a terrific servant to Celtic.

Nobody questions that.

But asking him to start against European opposition over two legs would represent a significant downgrade.

Johnston gives Celtic stability.

He has to stay.

At least until the qualifiers are over.

Midfield Is Still The Biggest Concern

If pre-season has taught us anything, it’s that Celtic are still far too easy to play through.

There was talks of Martin O’Neill changing the system? I haven’t seen anything of the such and that’s besides the point Montgomery is still getting a game for Celtic in 2026.

The midfield has been overrun at times.

Martin O’Neill has already spoken about wanting greater purpose in possession, but you also need players capable of winning the ball back.

Mika Baur would certainly add quality if he arrives.

But at 5ft 6in, he isn’t the physically dominant midfielder many supporters have been asking for.

It’s becoming an annual conversation.

Every summer Celtic are linked with athletic, aggressive midfielders.

Every summer supporters ask for more power in the middle of the park.

And every summer those signings never quite seem to materialise.

If Celtic genuinely want to compete in Europe, that has to change.

Champions League football isn’t won with technical ability alone.

Sometimes you simply need bigger, stronger players who can match Europe’s elite physically.

So… Will Celtic Be Ready?