European Exit Complete - Next Up, Celtic Face a Critical Fortnight

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

By 14 March, they could be motoring in the league with the momentum on their side and through to the Scottish Cup last four.

Or, they might find themselves still struggling to defend their title and facing the prospect of a trophyless campaign.

The initial challenge is Ibrox on Sunday for a titanic league encounter, with Celtic behind Rangers by a couple of points having played one game less, with Hearts six points ahead of the champions.

This is followed by a journey in midweek to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup last eight and then welcoming high-flying and tough Motherwell.

A half-dozen of their next seven matches are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This much-maligned Celtic group is about to be stress-tested after a rollercoaster first two-thirds of the season.

"We can expect a lot of surprises and changes," commented a ex-Celtic player. "It wouldn't shock me if the league is decided on the final day. But they must prove themselves over the coming handful of games. You have to be relentless, or else they will not win the trophies."

Manager Faces Selection 'Headache'

Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart being ultimately irrelevant in Celtic's bid to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League, it could yet prove significant.

The manager rotated eight of his first eleven and some of the squad members delivered impressive displays to secure the club's maiden win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the winner after under half a minute and was a positive influence, while in the back four, several defenders excelled in a gutsy performance.

Murray in particular stated his claim to start next to Liam Scales. One magnificent defensive intervention stood out and he was confident when dealing with set-pieces.

But the most talked-about display was saved for back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a first Celtic clean sheet in six matches.

The first-choice goalkeeper has been under heavy criticism after a series of errors. The Finnish stepped in and made several crucial stops, in a display labeled "flawless" by a club legend.

A former Celtic goalkeeper is of the opinion Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some very good 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. Let him keep his place in the team now."

The Celtic manager conceded that a number of individuals have given him "plenty to consider".

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

'Critical' Rangers Test Lies Ahead

The additional positive of Celtic's win was that they demonstrated they can battle to a victory.

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

But this more fragile side had looked more and more susceptible in recent times, often conceding more than one goal per game.

Having not won at Ibrox in their last four visits and given Rangers have won their last ten home matches, a show of resilience in Germany was timely.

Might Celtic take a slightly more pragmatic approach? At this moment, it is all about winning.

"You don't need to have all the possession to win the game," observed an analyst. "You've got to work hard, 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 match to spare. The players will pick up great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a decisive one."