Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admitted he did not learn much about his squad despite progressing to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over sixth-tier Auchinleck Talbot. The win, while ultimately successful, exposed gaps in the team and highlighted the urgent need for January transfer window reinforcements at Parkhead.

---

Squad Rotation and Key Performances

Only captain Callum McGregor retained his place from Celtic’s midweek win over Falkirk. O’Neill used the match as an opportunity to test fringe players, giving debuts and recalls to several squad members:

• Stephen Welsh returned to the first team after his loan spell at Motherwell.
• Winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha was recalled and given game time.
• Johnny Kenny led the line up front, restored to the starting XI.

Kenny eventually opened the scoring after missing several early chances, while substitute Sebastian Tounekti curled in a superb second goal late on to seal the win.

Despite the result, Celtic fans were left frustrated and chanted “sign a player” at Rugby Park, reflecting their concerns about the squad’s depth and lack of January signings.

---

O’Neill Admits Little Was Learned

After the match, O’Neill was candid about what the game revealed:

“Tonight, it would have been nice to put on a great performance. We should have played much better. I’m not so sure I learned much more than I knew before.”

The manager acknowledged the need for reinforcements in the January window, though he joked about the delays:

“I do dread this question. We are making some progress and hopefully we will get the players in before the end of the season.”

O’Neill has now overseen a perfect domestic record since being appointed following the turbulent departures of Brendan Rodgers and, briefly, Wilfried Nancy.

---

Opportunities for Fringe Players

O’Neill made 10 changes from the previous match, giving several fringe players the chance to impress. These included Balikwisha and Paulo Bernardo, who had not featured in his first spell in charge.

The Scottish Cup tie was a chance for O’Neill to assess who could contribute to the first team as Celtic prepare for crucial upcoming European fixtures.

“It was a matter of trying to see what they could do. We’ve a fair idea of what we need to do in the window and I want to get on with it,” O’Neill said.

---

Striker Concerns and Tactical Observations

While Kenny scored his sixth goal of the season, his missed chances and lack of traditional centre-forward presence frustrated fans and pundits alike. Former Celtic defender Jackie McNamara noted:

“Most teams are comfortable to let Celtic have possession as long as they don’t play through the lines. They need a target man in the middle to win headers. Kenny is a second striker, not an out-and-out number nine.”

Similarly, former Hearts striker Ryan Stevenson criticized the performance of some starters:

“Martin will have learned a lot about fringe players. Some didn’t grasp their opportunity. A few went through the motions, but James Forrest and Luke McCowan worked hard.”

Kenny himself acknowledged the need for consistency and hopes his goal sparks a run of form ahead of European fixtures against Bologna and Utrecht, surrounding a Scottish Premiership clash with league leaders Hearts.

“It’s been a tough few weeks. Every striker misses chances. Hopefully, I can go on a run. We know we’re a good side and must focus game by game,” he said.

---

Looking Ahead

Celtic now progress to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup, where they will host Dundee in one of two all-Premiership ties. Meanwhile, O’Neill continues to monitor the squad closely and will push for reinforcements in January to ensure Celtic are competitive both domestically and in Europe.