(Credit: Imago)

Jack Dawson

Wed 25 February 2026 19:03, UK Updated Wed 25 February 2026 19:49, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Martin O’Neill should look to unleash Junior Adamu for Celtic’s second leg Europa League knockout playoff tie against Stuttgart on Thursday.

The 24-year-old striker came into Celtic Park in the winter transfer window, but has struggled for minutes so far.

To date, he has made just three appearances for the Hoops, and did not play a single minute in their last two matches.

However, with the tie against Stuttgart essentially over, O’Neill has a chance to test other players as they look to prove that they should be starting consistently.

Adamu has to be one of these stars, and if he can hit form, he could be a decisive tool in the Scottish Premiership title race.

• Read more: Rangers fans ‘disgusted’ by official club update ahead of Celtic showdown

Celtic need to start Junior Adamu vs Stuttgart

Since Adamu was signed on loan from Freiburg, he has shown some signs of promise.

On his debut, he netted against Dundee in a 2-1 victory in the Scottish Cup.

Following a late cameo against Livingston, he was given his first start against Kilmarnock, before he was subbed off at half-time.

Junior Adamu’s first-ever Celtic goal ☘️☘️ pic.twitter.com/rPB1uvm4sK

— Born (C)eltic (@born_celtic) February 7, 2026

Despite not playing since then, his performances were strong, and now O’Neill has to look towards the attacker on Thursday to help him find his feet.

With Celtic pretty much already out, it is the perfect game to let Adamu play with freedom, and if he can get a goal, it would massively boost his confidence.

If O’Neill can get him firing, it could be a massive boost for the Hoops in their race for the Scottish Premiership title.

The lack of a consistent goalscorer has been the bane of their title hopes, and if this can be fixed over the coming weeks, it could make Celtic the favourites to end the season at the summit.

• Read more: Celtic and Rangers face ‘disastrous’ £40m reality as ‘terrible’ trap door opens

Do Celtic have a chance of victory at Stuttgart?

Unfortunately, for those travelling to the match in Stuttgart, a defeat is likely for the Hoops.

Opta on 25 February believes that the German outfit have a 71.8 per cent chance of winning on the night, piling further misery on O’Neill’s side.

In comparison, Celtic have a 12.1 per cent chance of coming away with a shock win, with the odds of a draw being deemed at 16.1 per cent.

However, it remains to be seen if the Hoops are able to cause a bit of an upset on Thursday, or even stage a shock comeback in the Europa League.