O'Neill Facing Axing of Celtic Standouts Donovan Osmand and Murray
Martin O'Neill is confronting a selection dilemma at Celtic after three defeats ahead of the break. Despite sitting top of the Premiership and securing a 7‑1 victory over Hearts on Sunday, the club remains winless in the Europa League ahead of Thursday’s home clash with Celta Vigo, prompting O'Neill to consider axing youngsters Colby Donovan, Callum Osmand and Dane Murray.
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Domestic resurgence after early slump
Celtic endured three straight losses before the last international break, a run that left O'Neill questioning his future. The team then bounced back, sitting top of the table and delivering a 7‑1 thrashing of Hearts on Sunday, which reinforced their Premiership lead.
European challenge looms
In contrast, Celtic are winless in the Europa League and face a pivotal home game against Celta Vigo on Thursday. O'Neill is likely to lean on his younger squad members to turn the European tide.
Callum Osmand, a striker who was deployed on the wing, scored twice in the Hearts victory before being withdrawn after a lengthy injury lay‑off. He remains a strong candidate for the upcoming European fixture provided he stays fit.
Dane Murray, now 23, delivered a solid performance at centre‑back, deputising for Cameron Carter‑Vickers, who is coping with a muscular strain. Carter‑Vickers has returned to training but is unlikely to start.
Colby Donovan has impressed at right‑back while Alistair Johnston has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in August. Donovan is already in contention for the Young Player of the Season award.
“I thought he was really really good, played very, very strongly. That’s not really his position at the end of it all, although he adapted brilliantly,” O'Neill said of Osmand.
Other senior options are returning: Auston Trusty is unavailable on Tuesday night due to his father’s death but is expected back within a week or two. With Carter‑Vickers back in training, O'Neill may revert to the Trusty‑Carter‑Vickers partnership, while Liam Scales remains a preferred choice. Jota is rebuilding fitness after more than a year out, and Yang Hyun‑jun is close to returning from a hamstring problem ahead of the Asian Games.
Martin O'Neill, often referred to simply as Neill, will have to balance the contributions of these youngsters against the experience of senior players. While Donovan, Osmand and Murray will still feature, the manager’s forthcoming selections will determine whether the club can sustain its domestic dominance and finally progress in Europe.