Martin O’Neill admits he STILL doesn’t know best Celtic XI after 10 signings as £5m star faces defining test
The Celtic manager remains unsure of his strongest side despite a perfect domestic start, while Sebastian Tounekti has been challenged to follow Yang’s example.
Phillip Cooney 
Martin O'Neill (Celtic Manager) speaks to the BBC ahead of the William Hill Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park, Motherwell, UK on 13 May 2026. ============================================= Use the following embed code to publish this image online: <smartframe-embed customer-id="1ffbae35d432d0d71911ca2a0b209fbb" image-id="prsiYR3E3a5B" style="width: 100%;display: inline-flex;max-width: 7742px;aspect-ratio: 7742/5164"></smartframe-embed> More info: at https://smartframe.io/embedding-support/
Martin O’Neill has made a revealing admission about his Celtic squad, conceding that he still does not know what his strongest starting XI looks like.
That is despite Celtic welcoming 10 new signings and making a perfect start domestically.
The manager is still assessing several of his new arrivals. Now Sebastian Tounekti could be handed one of his biggest opportunities yet.
With Yang unavailable for the next four matches, the £5million winger has a chance to show O’Neill he deserves a regular place.
Martin O’Neill still assessing his Celtic best XI
Asked whether he now knew his best Celtic side, O’Neill was remarkably candid.
He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever had an idea of what my best side has been! The answer is no at the moment because the very obvious thing is that we’ve got some young boys coming into the football club.”
O’Neill specifically mentioned Oliver Sorensen and Joel Van den Berg among those he is still assessing.
He added: “I wouldn’t know exactly what these lads can do in a matchday environment for us.
“I know what they can do in matchday environments for the teams that we’ve taken them from, but not for us.”
It is a fascinating admission considering how much Celtic’s squad changed during the summer.
O’Neill has largely relied on a familiar core during the impressive start to the domestic campaign. However, his comments suggest there could be considerably more evolution to come.
Tounekti handed major Celtic opportunity
Tounekti is perhaps the most interesting example.
O’Neill clearly believes the Tunisian possesses significant natural ability, particularly around the penalty area.
He said: “Seb’s good, he’s got really good ability around the edge of the penalty box. The thing I like about him is that he can go both ways.”
However, O’Neill also made clear where improvement is required.
Yang has transformed his Celtic career and is now described by his manager as a major loss while he is away.
O’Neill wants Tounekti to follow that example.
“Can he emulate Yang? That should be his aim,” he said.
“I think Seb has natural talent. I think it’s the other parts of the game that I think he’s got to have a wider picture, but hopefully that will come.”
That effectively lays down the gauntlet.
Celtic’s best XI remains undecided. Yang has temporarily vacated one of those places.
Tounekti now has the opportunity to make sure it becomes his.
