Martin O'Neill, the man at the helm of Celtic, is set to re‑engineer his side’s playing style to maximise the impact of his most effective players as he navigates the squad’s current injury challenges. With Hyun‑jun Yang still sidelined for the Asian Games and the recent return of Kasper Hogh from a groin problem, the manager faces a puzzle that could see him reshuffle his formation and personnel to keep the club competitive. During Hogh’s three‑match absence, Colombian striker Camilo Duran stepped into the central‑forward role and made an immediate impression.
Duran found the back of the net three times and provided the decisive assist for Yang in Celtic’s 2‑1 win over St Mirren on Saturday. He also had a goal ruled out for off‑side in a controversial decision that left many fans debating the call. Although Duran originally arrived at Celtic from Qarabag as a forward, he had previously impressed the coaching staff playing out wide, demonstrating his versatility and work rate. Another attacking option now available to O'Neill is Chelsea loanee Shim Mheuka, an 18‑year‑old who has already shown flashes of promise.
Mheuka had a goal disallowed in the Paisley match and proved a genuine threat during two substitute appearances, hinting at the potential for a larger role once he settles into the squad. His confidence and eagerness to prove himself have been evident in his comments, where he stressed the importance of staying positive, seizing every chance, and believing in his own abilities. In addition to Duran and Mheuka, Callum Osmand is expected to return from an ankle injury next month, further expanding O'Neill’s attacking arsenal.
With the South Korean winger Yang missing four games for the Asian Games, the manager now has a variety of forwards to consider, which could encourage him to revisit the 3‑5‑2 system he favoured during his first spell at Celtic. That formation, built around a solid back three, wing‑backs, and two strikers, could provide the flexibility needed to accommodate the returning Hogh, the in‑form Duran, and the promising Mheuka. Ahead of the upcoming clash with St Johnstone, O'Neill gave a candid update on the fitness situation.
"We've got Kasper back the last couple of days and Kieran (Tierney) did a little bit of work with us, so we'll have a look to see how they are. We've got a couple of other fitness issues with players, but will try to go as strongly as we possibly can," the 74‑year‑old said during a live Sky Sports interview. He added that when the squad is fully fit, the priority will be to field his best eleven.
Regarding Mheuka, O'Neill expressed optimism: "I expect decent things of Shim. I expect him to do well.
He's just getting to know the players, getting to know what's expected of him in terms of style of play, what we do with the ball and what we do without it. It's essentially what he does with the ball that will determine not only his time here, but his future in the game. We definitely have got better options up front than we had last season." The young English youth international, who arrived in Glasgow with a clear mission, echoed this sentiment: "I'm just focused on playing and training, trying to get into that team and come on and make an impact whenever I can.
When you come on, you want to take that one opportunity that might come to you. It's about staying positive, believing in yourself and putting yourself in the right positions. You can't get anywhere without self‑belief." The manager also praised the progress of fellow young coaches in the Scottish Premiership.
After Simo Valakari’s Saints secured victories in their first two home games, O'Neill remarked, "It's nice to see really talented young managers doing well. They want to play football and they're committed. There's a vitality about them which is very, very encouraging. Not dissimilar in many aspects to what Craig McLeish is doing at St Mirren." Looking ahead, O'Neill’s tactical flexibility will be crucial.
If he decides to revert to a 3‑5‑2, Hogh could partner Duran or Mheuka up front, with wing‑backs providing width and allowing the midfield to dominate possession. Alternatively, a more traditional 4‑3‑3 could see Hogh leading the line, Duran drifting to the left, and Mheuka offering a dynamic option off the bench.
The manager’s willingness to adapt his system to the strengths of his squad suggests that Celtic will continue to evolve throughout the season, aiming to maintain their domestic dominance while also competing in European competitions. In summary, Martin O'Neill is poised to fine‑tune Celtic’s approach, using the return of key players and the emergence of new talent to craft a system that maximises each individual's contribution.
Whether he sticks with his preferred 3‑5‑2 or experiments with alternative formations, the underlying goal remains the same: field the strongest possible XI, keep the team’s attacking threat alive, and ensure Celtic remains a force to be reckoned with in Scottish football.