European Exit Complete - Next Up, Celtic Confront a Pivotal Two-Week Period

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

Come mid-March, they might be cruising in the title race with the wind at their backs and through to the Scottish Cup last four.

Alternatively, they might find themselves further toiling to retain the championship and staring at a silverware-free season.

The first stop is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a titanic league clash, with Celtic behind Rangers by a couple of points having played one game 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 in-form and formidable Motherwell.

A half-dozen of their following seven fixtures are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic squad is set to be stress-tested after a chaotic first two-thirds of the season.

"We can expect a lot of surprises and changes," commented a former Celtic defender. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league is decided on the final day. But they must prove themselves over the coming handful of games. You have to be relentless, otherwise they won't take the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Conundrum'

Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's quest to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League, it could yet prove significant.

The manager rotated a large number of his first eleven and some of the fringe players delivered eye-catching displays to secure the club's first ever win in Germany.

Luke McCowan calmly slotted the decisive goal after under half a minute and was a positive influence, while in the back four, several defenders stood out in a resilient display.

Murray in particular made his case to start next to Liam Scales. A superb defensive intervention stood out and he was assured when defending corners.

But the most talked-about performance was delivered by back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he contributed significantly in a long-awaited shutout in six matches.

The first-choice goalkeeper has faced heavy criticism after a series of errors. The Finnish stepped in and made six saves, in a display described as "perfect" by a club legend.

A former Celtic goalkeeper is of the opinion Sinisalo performed well enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some excellent saves and looked calm when he had the ball and read the game well," was the assessment. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be starting him. Let him keep his place in the team now."

The Celtic manager conceded that several players have given him "plenty to consider".

"[Sinisalo] was outstanding in the game, exceptionally. That's the name all round the dressing room," the manager commented. "He's got a lot of talent."

'Pivotal' Rangers Test Awaits

The additional positive of Celtic's win was that they demonstrated they can battle to a victory.

Historically, Celtic have pitched up and naturally looked to dominate the ball from start to finish against every Scottish rival.

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

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

Might Celtic take a slightly more pragmatic approach? At this moment, it is solely concerning winning.

"You don't need to have most of the ball to win the game," observed an pundit. "You've got to put in the effort, defend well, get a bit of luck and have a reliable shot-stopper."

"Celtic have struggled for form this season, but they are hanging in there [in the league]. They retain a chance, with a game in hand. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a critical one."