Out of Europe - Now, Celtic Enter a Critical Fortnight

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

Come mid-March, they could be motoring in the league with the momentum on their side and through to the Scottish Cup last four.

Alternatively, they might find themselves further toiling to retain the championship and facing the prospect of a silverware-free campaign.

The initial challenge is Ibrox on Sunday for a huge league encounter, with Celtic behind Rangers by two points having played one match less, with Hearts six points ahead of the title holders.

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

A half-dozen of their following seven fixtures are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This much-maligned Celtic squad is about to be put under severe pressure after a rollercoaster opening months of the season.

"There will be a lot of surprises and changes," commented a ex-Celtic player. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league is decided on the final day. But they will have to do it over the next five or six games. You have to be relentless, or else they will not win the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Dilemma'

Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's quest to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, it could still turn out to be important.

The manager changed a large number of his starting line-up and some of the fringe players put in impressive displays to secure the club's first ever win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the winner after just 28 seconds and was a positive influence, while in the back four, Dane Murray excelled in a resilient display.

Murray in particular stated his claim to start alongside Liam Scales. One magnificent defensive intervention was notable and he was confident when defending corners.

But the most talked-about display was delivered by back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a long-awaited shutout in six matches.

The established goalkeeper has faced heavy criticism after a series of errors. The Finnish was called upon and made several crucial stops, in a display described as "flawless" by a former Celtic midfielder.

A club goalkeeping great believes Sinisalo performed well enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

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

The Celtic manager agreed that several players have given him "plenty to consider".

"[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. He's the talk all round the dressing room," the manager said. "He's got plenty of talent."

'Critical' Rangers Challenge Awaits

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

Over the years, Celtic have pitched up and naturally looked to control possession from start to finish against every domestic opponent.

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

Having not won at Ibrox in four attempts and considering Rangers have won their last ten home matches, a demonstration of toughness in Germany was timely.

Might Celtic take a somewhat more cautious approach? Right now, it is all about winning.

"You don't need to have most of the ball to win the game," noted an analyst. "You've got to put in the effort, defend well, get a slice of fortune and have a reliable shot-stopper."

"Celtic have not played well this season, but they are still in contention [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 critical one."