Martin O'Neill has urged Celtic to demonstrate genuine "character" in their upcoming match against Falkirk after the club suffered a disastrous exit from the Champions League play‑offs at the hands of LASK. The Scottish champions entered the tie with a comfortable 3‑0 advantage from the first leg in Glasgow, a lead that was bolstered by a deflected strike from captain Callum McGregor just 21 minutes into the second leg in Austria. Yet, what should have been a routine progression turned into a dramatic reversal, as LASK rallied to win 5‑4 on aggregate after extra‑time, consigning Celtic to the less lucrative and lower‑profile Europa League. O'Neill, who previously managed Celtic on a permanent basis from 2000 to 2005 and guided them to a Premiership title and a Scottish Cup victory last season, knows that the disappointment still resonates deeply with the Hoops faithful.
The fans, still smarting from the loss of Champions League football and the financial windfall it brings, will be eager to see a swift and decisive response when Celtic face the Bairns on Saturday. "From my years at this club I have learned that you are always just one match away from a crisis, and that is exactly where we find ourselves now," the 74‑year‑old manager said, adding that McGregor is expected to be available despite missing a training session due to a stomach bug. O'Neill emphasized that the club must not allow the recent setback to define the season, but rather use it as a catalyst for a display of resilience and determination. He reflected on the nature of the defeat: "It is a massive disappointment to be knocked out of the competition, especially when we were leading and seemed to have the game under control.
They had a few moments, but we created the better chances. To let that slip away in the way it happened is on me as manager." The Celtic boss then turned his attention to the upcoming league fixture, warning that the atmosphere at the stadium could become tense if the team shows any signs of weakness. "There will be moments tomorrow – misplaced passes, giving Falkirk space, shots on goal, maybe even conceding an early goal – and the crowd will become restless.
We have to fight that and keep our composure," he said. O'Neill drew parallels with his earlier experiences at Celtic, recalling the eras of Henrik Larsson, Neil Lennon and Paul Lambert. "The pressure has always been there, no matter who is in charge.
We cannot rest on our laurels. Last season was fantastic – a highlight of my career – but that chapter is closed.
I have enjoyed many highs, like winning the league, and suffered lows, like this recent loss. At 74, the challenges don’t get easier; they get tougher." Looking ahead, O'Neill outlined Celtic's Europa League group stage draw, which pits them against heavyweights such as Benfica and Marseille, as well as Union SG, Omonia, Torreense, Ferencvaros, Celta Vigo and Besiktas. "It is a daunting schedule. I’m still processing Tuesday’s disappointment, but the fixtures are exciting – Marseille, Benfica – I have them written down and I haven’t even looked beyond those two yet," he admitted.
He concluded with a pragmatic note: "Tuesday was a very disappointing night. We must move on, focus on the next game, and try to bounce back. There is no room for frivolity; we need to get over this setback and show the character that Celtic is known for." In summary, O'Neill's message to the players and supporters is clear: Celtic must regroup quickly, exhibit the resolve and grit expected of a club of its stature, and use the Europa League campaign as an opportunity to restore pride after a painful Champions League exit. The upcoming clash with Falkirk offers the first chance to begin that redemption arc, and the manager insists that every player, from the captain to the bench, must embody the spirit that Celtic fans demand.