Celtic boss Martin O'Neill is set to tailor his tactical approach around the squad's most effective players as he navigates the loss of Hyun‑jun Yang and the return of Kasper Høgh. During Høgh's three‑match spell on the sidelines with a groin injury, Colombian forward Camilo Duran stepped into the centre‑forward role and made an immediate impact. Duran found the back of the net three times and also supplied the decisive assist for Yang in Celtic's 2-1 win over St Mirren on Saturday, even though one of his goals was controversially ruled out for off‑side.
Although Duran originally joined Celtic from Qarabağ as a striker, he had previously impressed the coaching staff while playing out wide, demonstrating his versatility and goal‑scoring instincts. O'Neill also has another attacking option in the form of 18‑year‑old Shim Mheuka, a Chelsea loanee who had a goal disallowed in the Paisley fixture and showed promise during two substitute appearances. Mheuka, a England youth international, is eager to prove his worth and has spoken about his determination to make an impact whenever he steps onto the pitch.
He emphasised the importance of self‑belief, staying positive and seizing every opportunity that comes his way. "When you come on, you want to take that one chance you get," he said, adding that confidence in one's own abilities is essential for progress.
Meanwhile, Callum Osmand is expected to return from an ankle injury next month, adding further depth to the forward line. With South Korean winger Hyun‑jun Yang sidelined for four games due to his participation in the Asian Games, O'Neill may be tempted to revisit the 3‑5‑2 formation he favoured during his first spell at Celtic. This system would allow the manager to maximise the talents of both the returning Høgh and the emerging youngsters like Duran and Mheuka, while also providing a solid defensive base. Ahead of Celtic's upcoming clash with St Johnstone, O'Neill addressed the media on Sky Sports, noting that Kasper Høgh had been training with the team over the past couple of days and that Kieran Tierney had also been involved in light work.
He mentioned that a few other players were dealing with fitness concerns, but stressed that the aim was to field the strongest possible XI once everyone was fully fit. "Whatever we do, when everybody is absolutely fit, then it's a matter of trying to get your best players on the field," the 74‑year‑old manager said. When asked about Mheuka's prospects, O'Neill replied, "I expect decent things of Shim. I expect him to do well.
He's just getting to know the players, the style of play, what we do with the ball and 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." He added that Celtic now have more attacking options than they did last season, a sign of the squad's growing depth.
The manager also praised the performance of Simo Valakari's St. Johnstone side, who have won their first two home Premiership matches.
O'Neill highlighted the importance of young managers succeeding, drawing a parallel with Craig McLeish's work at St Mirren, and lauded the energy and commitment shown by these emerging coaches. Looking ahead, O'Neill faces a strategic decision: whether to continue with the traditional 4‑3‑3 setup that has served Celtic well in recent years, or to shift back to a more flexible 3‑5‑2 that could accommodate both the returning Høgh and the in‑form Duran while giving Mheuka a platform to develop.
The choice will hinge on player fitness, opponent analysis, and the desire to keep the team's attacking rhythm potent. In addition to the on‑field considerations, O'Neill remains mindful of the broader club objectives, including maintaining Celtic's dominance in the Scottish Premiership, progressing in European competition, and nurturing young talent for the future. The manager's willingness to adapt his tactics to the strengths of his personnel reflects a pragmatic approach that has characterised his tenure.
As the season progresses, fans can expect O'Neill to experiment with line‑ups, possibly rotating the forward line to keep players fresh and to test different combinations. The integration of loan players like Mheuka, combined with the resurgence of established figures such as Høgh, could provide Celtic with the variety needed to outwit opponents. Ultimately, the success of any tactical overhaul will be measured by results on the pitch. If O'Neill can blend experience with youth, harness the goal‑scoring prowess of Duran, and unlock the potential of emerging talents, Celtic will be well‑placed to chase silverware on multiple fronts while laying a solid foundation for the years to come.