Photo via BBC Sport

Do Celtic have 'big issues', or will next four days hush concerns?

Celtic face a critical stretch after suffering a heavy 3-0 loss to Rangers at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, sparking scrutiny ahead of a Europa League match against Ferencvaros and an upcoming Premiership rematch with their Glasgow rivals on Sunday. Despite winning all six league fixtures this season to extend a domestic run to 13 straight victories, four were decided by just a single goal.

Manager Martin O'Neill defended his squad by pointing to their ongoing domestic success, even as defensive vulnerabilities persist after opponents racked up 64 shots in the league and 60 total attempts across two Champions League play-off legs against LASK.

While new arrival Camilo Duran has thrived with six goals and three assists across ten matches, high-profile signings Kasper Hogh and Haissem Hassan have yet to establish themselves. Following the weekend setback, skipper Callum McGregor criticised the squad for acting like disconnected individuals, while former forward Chris Sutton argued that the team functions as flat-track bullies with an easily overrun midfield.

The Glasgow side must now regroup after European elimination in Linz to prove they can withstand pressure against top-level opposition.