Out of Europe - Now, Celtic Enter a Crucial Two-Week Period

Now their European journey is over, Celtic are now staring down a campaign-altering fortnight.

Come mid-March, they might be cruising in the title race with the momentum on their side and into the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Or, they could be further toiling to retain the championship and staring at a trophyless season.

The initial challenge is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a massive league encounter, with Celtic behind Rangers by two points after playing one match less, with Hearts six clear of the champions.

Then it is a midweek trip to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup last eight and then welcoming high-flying and tough Motherwell.

Six of their next seven matches are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This much-maligned Celtic group is about to be put under severe pressure after a rollercoaster first two-thirds of the season.

"There will be a lot of surprises and changes," commented a ex-Celtic player. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league goes to the final day. But they will have to do it over the coming handful of games. You have to be relentless, or else they will not win the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Dilemma'

Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's bid to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League, it could still turn out to be important.

The manager changed eight of his first eleven and some of the squad members put in impressive displays to secure the club's first ever win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the decisive goal after just 28 seconds and was a positive influence, while in the back four, several defenders excelled in a gutsy display.

Murray in particular stated his claim to start next to Liam Scales. A superb block stood out and he was confident when dealing with set-pieces.

But the most discussed display was delivered by second-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a long-awaited shutout in half a dozen games.

The established goalkeeper has faced intense scrutiny after a series of errors. The Finnish stepped in and made several crucial stops, in a display described as "perfect" by a former Celtic midfielder.

A former Celtic goalkeeper believes Sinisalo performed well enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some very good saves and looked composed when he had the ball and had good anticipation," was the assessment. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be giving him the nod. Let him keep his place in the team now."

The Celtic manager conceded that a number of individuals have given him "food for thought".

"[Sinisalo] was outstanding in the game, really well. He's the talk all round the dressing room," the manager commented. "He's got plenty of talent."

'Pivotal' Rangers Test Lies Ahead

The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they demonstrated they can grind out a victory.

Over the years, Celtic have pitched up and naturally looked to dominate the ball from the first whistle to the last against every domestic opponent.

But this less robust side had looked increasingly vulnerable in recent times, regularly letting in more than one goal per game.

Without a victory at Ibrox in their last four visits and considering Rangers have won their last ten home matches, a demonstration of toughness in Germany was well-timed.

Could Celtic take a slightly more pragmatic approach? Right now, it is all about winning.

"You don't have 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 bit of luck 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 game in hand. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a decisive one."