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Did O'Neill get team selection wrong in Old Firm defeat?

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Did O'Neill get team selection wrong in Old Firm defeat?
Image · BBC Sport Football

What the report says

BBC Sport Scotland reports that Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is facing scrutiny after his side were beaten 3-0 by Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. The defeat ended Celtic’s cup run and raised questions about several pre-match decisions, especially in attack and goal. The article notes that Sebastian Tounekti, making only his second start of the season, struggled badly on the left and was substituted at half-time, while Haissem Hassan, who had been viewed by some as a possible alternative, was left on the bench initially.

Kasper Hogh also started up front after returning from injury, with Camilo Duran moved wide, but both had limited impact. O'Neill also changed his defence, breaking up the centre-back partnership of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty, and selected Sam Johnstone in goal instead of Viljami Sinisalo. Johnstone, making only his second competitive appearance since March, looked short of match sharpness, although he made some saves in the game.

Former players quoted by BBC Sport, including Pat Bonner and Andy Halliday, were critical of Celtic’s selections and performances, saying Rangers controlled the contest physically and tactically. O'Neill said after the match that selection always comes under review after a defeat and said he would reflect on his own role first. The result matters because it not only eliminates Celtic from the competition but also intensifies debate over O'Neill’s squad choices and the form of several summer signings.

Read the full report at BBC Sport Football →

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