Out of Europe - Now, Celtic Enter a Critical Two-Week Period

With the Europa League behind them, Celtic are now staring down a season-defining two-week spell.

By 14 March, they could be motoring in the league with the wind at their backs and into the Scottish Cup last four.

Alternatively, they could be further toiling to defend their title and staring at a trophyless campaign.

The first stop is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a titanic league clash, with Celtic trailing Rangers by two points having played one game fewer, with Hearts six clear of the champions.

This is followed by a midweek trip to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then hosting in-form and formidable Motherwell.

Six of their following seven fixtures are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This much-maligned Celtic group is about to be stress-tested after a chaotic first two-thirds of the season.

"We can expect a lot of surprises and changes," commented a former Celtic defender. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league goes to the final day. But they will have to do it over the next five or six games. You have to be utterly consistent, or else they won't take the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Conundrum'

Although the victory over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's bid to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, it could yet prove significant.

The manager rotated eight of his first eleven and some of the fringe players put in impressive displays to claim the club's maiden win in Germany.

Luke McCowan calmly slotted the winner after under half a minute and was a positive influence, while in the back four, several defenders stood out in a gutsy display.

Murray especially made his case to start alongside Liam Scales. One magnificent block stood out and he was assured when defending corners.

But the most discussed performance was delivered by second-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he contributed significantly in a long-awaited shutout in half a dozen games.

The first-choice goalkeeper has been under heavy criticism after a series of errors. The Finnish was called upon and made six saves, in a display described as "perfect" by a former Celtic midfielder.

A former Celtic goalkeeper believes Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some excellent saves and looked composed when he had the ball and read the game well," was the assessment. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. Based on that showing, I would be starting him. Give him a run in the team now."

The Celtic manager conceded that several players have given him "food for thought".

"[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, exceptionally. He's the talk all round the dressing room," the manager commented. "He's got a lot of talent."

'Critical' Rangers Test Awaits

The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they showed they can grind out a victory.

Historically, Celtic have pitched up and naturally looked to control possession from the first whistle to the last against every Scottish rival.

But this more fragile side had looked increasingly vulnerable this year, often letting in more than one goal per game.

Having not won at Ibrox in four attempts and given Rangers have won their past 10 home matches, a demonstration of toughness in Germany was well-timed.

Might Celtic take a slightly more pragmatic approach? Right now, it is solely concerning winning.

"You don't have to have all the possession to win the game," observed an analyst. "You've got to put in the effort, be solid at the back, get a slice of fortune and have a good goalkeeper."

"Celtic have struggled for form this season, but they are hanging in there [in the league]. They still have a chance, with a game in hand. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a decisive one."