Martin O’Neill must build Celtic team around player with five key passes and four recoveries vs Falkirk
Celtic got back to winning ways in Martin O’Neill’s first game in charge as they smashed Falkirk 4-0 on 29 October.
Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation from Celtic on 27 October left the club in disarray amid a turbulent start to the 2025-26 campaign.
The Hoops are trailing Hearts in the Scottish Premiership after 10 matches by six points with O’Neill and Shaun Maloney brought in on an interim basis to steady the ship.
In a bid to find the next long-term manager, sources told Football Insider that Celtic opened talks with Ange Postecoglou over a return to Glasgow.
Whilst little headway has been made on the next managerial appointment, the current interim boss would have been impressed by his new side’s reaction to his tenure against Falkirk.
Tounetki the star of the show as Martin O’Neill must use his talent to rebuild broken squad
Sebastian Tounetki joined Celtic from Hammarby IF in the latter stages of the summer transfer window and, so far, he has been one of the finer performers in a miserable campaign.
Yet, goals were evading him, a feat the Tunisian finally broke by netting his first Hoops goal against Falkirk.
The 23-year-old was a nightmare for the visitors as he peppered their goal, taking four shots with one hitting the woodwork.
| Selected stats vs Falkirk (29 October) | Sebastian Tounetki |
| Minutes played | 76 |
| Shots (on target) | 4 (1) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Key passes | 5 |
| Touches | 59 |
| Recoveries | 4 |
Moreover, from a creative point of view, Tounetki was electric and delivered five key passes to inject tenacity and vigour into the Bhoys’ attack.
In his ninth game in the green and white stripes of Celtic, everything had been building for his first goal for the club, and his performance would’ve delighted O’Neill.
Next permanent Celtic boss must prioritise Tounetki in project
The number 23 is certainly finding his feet at Celtic Park and whoever becomes the new head coach will want to incorporate him into their plans.
On top of a rumoured Postecoglou return to Glasgow, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is also in the mix to become Celtic manager.
The Tractor Boys currently sit 12th in the Championship after 11 matches in a varied season, yet the Hoops would be taking a chance on a young coach who has little experience.
Conversely, Wales manager Craig Bellamy is another candidate for the Celtic job after impressing on the international stage.
Similarly, the ex-Burnley assistant manager has limited coaching experience yet has a strong track record for working with youth talent.
Whoever the under pressure board chooses, undoubtedly Tounetki has to be at the heart of their thinking and tactics.