Celtic boss O’Neill eyes Tierney return amid injury woes and title chase

Martin O’Neill expressed hope that Kieran Tierney would be fit for Celtic’s upcoming match against Motherwell this weekend. 

The Scotland international full-back had missed the team’s contentious Scottish Cup quarter-final triumph over Rangers because of a foot injury.

Tierney was absent alongside captain Callum McGregor, yet Celtic secured victory through a penalty shootout. 

Tomas Cvancara delivered the decisive penalty, which triggered severe crowd unrest in the stadium as supporters from both teams invaded the pitch.

O’Neill found himself amid the chaos on the field at the conclusion. He explained later that he had simply congratulated the team and retreated to his private space to compose himself.

The manager, anticipated to depart Celtic at season’s end, remains positioned to guide his squad to a domestic Double prior to his exit. 

The Parkhead club has been paired with St Mirren in the semi-final, a side that defeated them in December’s League Cup final.

Currently trailing leaders Hearts by five points, Celtic will welcome Motherwell, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Dundee on Saturday. This encounter pits second against third in the standings.

Celtic appear poised to lack the motivational presence of McGregor for an extended duration. He has experienced a relapse of the calf issue that plagued him the previous season.

This development compounds challenges for O’Neill as he navigates the remainder of the campaign. 

Tierney’s potential return could provide a vital boost, especially with the title race intensifying and cup aspirations intact. McGregor’s absence, however, underscores the squad’s vulnerability to injuries at a critical juncture.

Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, given the recent disturbances and the high stakes involved. 

Celtic’s resilience in the Rangers clash demonstrated their depth, but sustaining momentum without key players will test the team’s mettle.

O’Neill’s tenure may be winding down, yet achieving silverware could cement a memorable farewell. 

Motherwell, seeking to rebound from their loss, presents an immediate hurdle in Celtic’s pursuit of closing the gap on Hearts.