Mystery over Celtic winter signing addressed and why Kasper Schmeichel is being backed as number one
The Celtic boss has been talking over some key topics after defeat against Hibs.
Martin O’Neill has addressed the absence of a winter signing from Celtic’s defeat against Hibs on Sunday.
After a 4-1 humbling off Bundesliga side Stuttgart in the Europa League knockout round play-off last Thursday, the Hoops suffered a 2-1 loss versus David Gray’s side in the Premiership, leaving them six points off leaders Hearts. Sunday’s match passed without an appearance for Joel Mvuka, signed on deadline day from Lorient in a loan capacity.
He played a half against Dundee in the Scottish Cup but hasn’t been spotted in a squad since. Manager O’Neill insists it’s a case of adapting to the tempo of the present moment at Celtic, with changes expected for the second leg of their continental clash in Germany.
Why has Joel Mvuka not played more for Celtic?
O’Neill said: “I think it’s just getting used to the environment. These lads have played decent grades of football before. But it’s the intensity here at this minute. And some players, like James Forrest, have been used to that sort of intensity. So we’ll see. We’ll definitely make a few changes for Thursday evening. And we’ll take it from there.
O’Neill also addressed criticisms of Kasper Schmeichel after errors in last week’s defeat against Stuttgart, sticking by the 39-year-old Danish international for this clash. He said: “Kasper has been a really fine goalkeeper.
“He’s been a member of a side that won the Premier League way back. Like everything else, you can’t rest on laurels for the rest of your life. Everybody moves on. But it wasn’t a big, big decision for me. I think I sat here on Thursday evening and said, he’s made some big saves for us. And he made a big save when we were 1-0 down as well.”
Why have Celtic appealed Auston Trusty red card?
“So he came out, and he did fine. But I think that competition for places is something that should apply to everybody. Goalkeepers and outfield players. But I thought he showed some character.”
Celtic have also appealed Auston Trusty’s red card against Hibs after he was sent off for violent conduct, after lashing out at Jamie McGrath before a corner. The Hoops had an appeal for a denial of a goalscoring opportunity sending off for the US international against Hearts last month thrown out.
A statement reads: “Celtic FC can confirm that we will be submitting an appeal to the SFA in relation to the red imposed on Auston Trusty during yesterday’s match. The Club believes that the player was wrongfully dismissed and that the decision was reached following VAR intervention.”