Martin O'Neill challenged by ex Celtic star over reliance of inconsistent winger as fresh attacking plea sent

Martin O’Neill has been told to reconsider Sebastian Tounekti’s place in Celtic’s starting XI, by a former Hoops star who argues that alternative attacking options have done enough to deserve more opportunities.

The Tunisian winger has struggled to deliver consistent performances in the final third since joining from Swedish outfit Hammarby IF, leaving supporters unconvinced by his contribution.

Tounekti had featured in each of Celtic’s opening 14 matches of the campaign before being left out of the squad for Sunday’s emphatic 7-1 rout over Hearts.

His absence followed a difficult night in Portugal just three days prior, where he was withdrawn at half-time alongside striker Kasper Hogh during the Scottish champions 4-1 Europa League loss to Benfica.

The changes proved significant, with Callum Osmand and Haissem Hassan both impressing after their introductions in Lisbon. Operating around Camilo Duran, the pair helped inject greater urgency and creativity into Celtic’s attack.

That combination carried its momentum into the weekend, as the same attacking trio played a major role in dismantling Wouter Vrancken’s Jambos. And Charlie Mulgrew wants to see Osmand and Hassan feature more regularly in place of Tounekti going forward.

Ex-Hoops defender questions ‘why is Tounekti playing?’

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Mulgrew said: “The second half in Benfica, that front three were brilliant. Osmand ran in behind, which Tounekti hadn’t done the whole first half.

“Hassan takes the ball in the first 20 minutes and gets a couple of crosses into the box and a couple of attempts at goal, and all of a sudden things look a bit brighter. He gets an assist, and then you think – I said it before the game – why is Tounekti playing?

“I continuously see Tounekti starting games for Celtic, and wonder why. I don’t think he offers anywhere near enough.”

Osmand has made a strong impression whenever given the opportunity, despite an injury-disrupted start to his Parkhead career following his move from Premier League side Fulham last summer.

The 20-year-old was instrumental in last season’s title-deciding clash with Hearts and once again caused problems for the Gorgie club on Sunday, scoring twice in the seven-goal demolition.

And Mulgrew believes Osmand has earned a starting place for Celtic’s next fixture, stating: “He’s playing on the left-hand side, which isn’t his natural position. He’s not really a winger, but he’s proved from the wing that he can get inside and run in behind and also get goals.

“There’s bits of his game that he can improve but he’s come on against Benfica and looked sharp, and then he’s scored two goals against Hearts and he should start on Thursday night. He’s earned that right, but he needs to keep it going.”

Why Hassan is a better option than Tounekti

Mulgrew returned to the contrast between Tounekti and Hassan, noting that O’Neill has the benefit of seeing both players in training every day. He conceded that the 74-year-old will have his own reasons for making certain selection calls but argued that Hassan appears better equipped to provide the creativity and attacking threat the team needs.

“He [Tounekti] must be doing something in training, and Hassan must be walking about in training,” Mulgrew added. “Martin sees them every day in training, but I can only see Hassan as somebody that can create and produce something.

“Tounekti receives the ball, checks back and goes backwards every time, and it’s not even to take the ball on to his other foot and cross it. You need to do something as a winger, you need to go and create, that’s your job.”

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