Celtic Team News: O’Neill’s Big Sunday Call Could Change Everything at Fir Park

Celtic team news is the big question ahead of Sunday’s trip to Motherwell. Martin O’Neill’s side return after a three-week international break and need a response after three straight defeats.

The manager has confirmed that several players have been away on international duty. Their return to training will help determine who is ready to start and whether O’Neill can add fresh options to a side that looked short of confidence before the break.

Jota’s return offers Celtic a boost

Jota played 45 minutes in a bounce match against Falkirk last Friday. O’Neill said the session went well and described the winger’s return as “like a new player coming to the club.”

That is encouraging, but it does not confirm that Jota is ready to start at Fir Park. He has been out for a long time, and Celtic must weigh the value of his creativity against the risk of asking too much too soon. A place on the bench could still give O’Neill an important option if the match becomes tight.

Johnston and Osmand are back on the grass

O’Neill also said Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand are back on the grass. That is a positive step for both players, although returning to training does not automatically mean they are available for selection.

Yang Hyun-jun is another name to watch. O’Neill said the winger had been dealing with a hamstring problem and would be assessed after returning to training. Until that check is complete, Celtic supporters should not assume he will feature.

Sunday’s team sheet will depend on the players’ fitness, the returning internationals and how O’Neill wants to approach Motherwell. He has called on Celtic to “come roaring back”, but the manager must first decide which players are ready to help him do it.

The champions cannot afford another hesitant performance. Celtic need greater energy, clearer attacking play and a more convincing response to the recent defeats. Jota’s return could help, but the bigger question is whether enough of the squad are ready to turn a positive injury update into a winning performance.