CELTIC AT A CROSSROADS

It seems hard to believe that just a couple of weeks after beating Barcelona, Celtic’s form at home has deteriorated so badly that drawing at home against Arbroath  wasn’t that big of a shock to some people.  Yesterday’s draw told us that most of the fringe players have done nothing to force their way into the manager’s plans, so it’ll be back to tried and tested as usual.  The lack of a midfield playmaker was also in evidence, as much of Celtic’s play going forward floundered around the penalty box.  An attacking midfielder is needed badly in the transfer window, let’s hope he is delivered.

The reason I say Celtic are at a crossroads is that the season seems to be on the verge of going two ways – Champions League glory and potential domestic treble, or Europa League and domestic league.  In my opinion it will be a disaster to the club if we fail to reach the last sixteen of the Champions League – both on and off the pitch.  New signings would not be enticed by the drudgery of the Europa League and attendances – already falling through the floor – for Europa League games would be down compared to the Champions League.  On the pitch, being so close to last sixteen success with two games to go and then blowing it would be a disaster.  There seems to be a malaise at Celtic at the moment, and dropping into the Europa League would only heighten that in my opinion.

Turning to domestic matters, the next two games – Kilmarnock and Arbroath away – have potential banana skin written all over them, and poor results in either of them would give Lennon and the board problems, especially if we lost at Arbroath.  You would think the players would have enough guile to win that game though.

Wednesday night is a season defining game for Lennon and the players, and it could give a suggestion to the way the rest of the season could go.  The team could secure a famous victory, last 16 qualification and start turning in good domestic performances.  Or we could drop down to the Europa League and the malaise will continue. Neil Lennon and the Celtic players, it’s up to you.