Callum McGregor among three Celtic players who should be axed vs Motherwell

Martin O'Neill needs to make some serious changes if Celtic are to return from the international break successfully against Motherwell.

The Hoops went into the three-week break off the back of three consecutive defeats, two Old Firm losses sandwiching a clash with Ferencvaros.

Despite their form, the 56-time league winners sit top of the Scottish Premiership table, two points clear of Rangers after seven games.

The squad even went into the international break unsure whether the same manager would be in charge at Fir Park, but O'Neill is staying.

Football Insider understands that O'Neill intends to revert to a back-four formation against Motherwell on Sunday, 11 October.

The Hoops limped to a 1-0 defeat against the Gers before the break, and that needs to be put right instantly if the fans are to stay onside.

Callum McGregor

In the first of three changes that Celtic must make, it is time that Callum McGregor was pulled out of the lineup and someone else was given a chance.

The 33-year-old is no longer a young, energetic midfielder, and while he is still a commanding voice, his struggles are bringing the rest of the team down.

Auston Trusty

If the Hoops are to revert to a back four, one of the three centre-backs will need to make way, and it should be Auston Trusty.

While none of them have been poor, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales have huge positives, and Trusty will be knackered from international duty.

Scales has also been away with Scotland, but his travel back to Parkhead will be far less tiring than Trusty's return from the USA.

Luke McCowan

It's been a difficult campaign for Luke McCowan so far, and it's not about to get any easier for the 28-year-old attacker.

He failed to impress against Rangers in the last game, being hooked after just 45 minutes, failing to take his chance by the scruff of the neck against Celtic's biggest rivals.