Martin O’Neill favourite to be dropped for Hearts clash after what he did in Bologna vs Celtic
Martin O’Neill could be about to make a difficult decision and drop one of his favourite Celtic players for the upcoming clash against Hearts.
The pair of title rivals meet at Tynecastle on Sunday afternoon, in a game that could play a crucial role in deciding where the Premiership’s ultimate prize heads at the end of the season.
Celtic have recovered under O’Neill once again, and are going into the game on a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions, after they salvaged a point with a 2-2 draw away at Bologna on Thursday night, despite playing with 10 men for over 55 minutes.
Goals from Reo Hatate and Auston Trusty secured a draw for the Bhoys in Italy, but O’Neill has surely been left with no choice but to drop one of his most trusted players for the return to domestic action this weekend.
Martin O’Neill must see the light over Sebastian Tounekti
Celtic fans have criticised Sebastian Tounekti at times for the contributions that he has made so far this season, and it is surely time for O’Neill to see the light and drop him from the team.
The Tunisian has quickly become a key figure for the Glasgow giants after joining from Hammarby in the summer, and while his displays have been strong at times, he has still returned just three goals so far this term.
The winger has been a firm favourite of O’Neill during his time in charge of Celtic this season, as he has now started in eight of the 12 games that the Northern Irishman has overseen in all competitions.
However, something surely has to give after Tounekti’s display against Bologna on Thursday night, as he was hooked by his manager at half-time.
Benjamin Nygren came on in place of the 23-year-old, who had struggled to make any sort of impact on the game during the first half, as he completed just eight passes and failed to have a shot or complete a single successful dribble.
O’Neill’s decision was likely swayed to some extent by the fact that his team were down to 10 men after Hatate’s red card, but Tounekti’s performance was also not indicative of a man who deserves to keep his place for Sunday’s huge ‘six-pointer.’
He has often flattered to deceive since his arrival in the summer, and O’Neill surely has to see that when it comes to his team selection against Hearts.
Benjamin Nygren to provide Celtic wide solution vs Hearts
Nygren has been an impactful player for Celtic this term, with 12 goals and six assists already in his debut campaign for the club.
The Swede replaced Tounekti during the half-time interval on Thursday, and he could provide the perfect option to step into his shoes on the left wing this weekend.
Nygren has primarily been used as a central midfield option since his move to Parkhead from Nordsjaelland in the summer, but he can also operate in the wide areas, something which O’Neill could look to tap into against Hearts.
Celtic are not blessed with an abundance of quality on the flanks, but thinking outside the box when it comes to Nygren’s starting position could open the door to more creativity.
The 24-year-old has been one of their biggest goal threats so far this season, and getting him further up the pitch should see him encounter more situations in which he can hurt the opposition.
O’Neill has been reluctant to drop Tounekti across both of his spells in charge this season, but he may have the perfect solution staring him in the face this weekend.