Celtic surely to sell star who looked scared vs Rangers, O'Neill has no other choice
Martin O'Neill's Celtic side succumbed to a 3-0 defeat away at their bitter rivals Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday afternoon.
The Bhoys were beaten at Ibrox thanks to a brace from Dan Neil from the edge of the box, alongside Kevin Kelsy's first goal in Scottish football.
Celtic's defeat at Ibrox means that they have already seen one trophy escape their clutches for the 2026-27 campaign, with Rangers advancing to the semi-finals at Hampden Park.
O'Neill's side added some exciting attacking reinforcements this summer, but it is still yet to click for them in terms of their cutting edge in the final third.
That has prompted the veteran boss to opt for Sebastian Tounekti from the off in recent weeks, but the decision to start the Tunisian backfired totally on Sunday.
Tounekti was virtually anonymous during the first half, as O'Neill effectively wasted 45 minutes with a baffling selection choice on the left wing.
Sebastian Tounekti not up for the fight at Celtic
Tounekti arrived at Celtic Park with big expectations attached when he first joined them last summer, but he has failed to produce regular quality so far.
The 24-year-old's consistency has been under fire for several months, and his torrid run of form continued on Sunday at Ibrox.
The youngster looked scared and completely ineffective against Derek McInnes' side, and seemed to wilt under the pressure of the occasion.
Tounekti shied away from challenges, and didn't appear at all ready to meet the requirements of a typically physical Old Firm contest.
O'Neill has persisted with him in the team in recent weeks, but it is hard to justify why, given that the player has delivered just three goal involvements in his last 27 competitive games.
Tounekti's long-term future at Celtic has been questioned at times, and the club will surely now look to sell him in January if they can.
Celtic plot move to sign Liverpool star
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Celtic are keen to sign young Liverpool left-back Luke Chambers in the January window.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Charlton Athletic, but has stayed put at Anfield this time around.
Celtic were unable to bring in left-back cover this summer, but view Chambers as an ideal way to solve their problematic left side.
Tounekti's struggles have made reinforcements on that side of the pitch even more important, given how little he has offered out wide.