Out of Europe - Next Up, Celtic Enter a Critical Fortnight

With the Europa League behind them, Celtic are now staring down a campaign-altering fortnight.

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

Or, they could be further toiling to defend their title and staring at a trophyless season.

The initial challenge is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a titanic league match, with Celtic behind Rangers by two points after playing one match less, with Hearts six points ahead of the title holders.

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

Six of their following seven matches are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic group is about to be stress-tested after a rollercoaster first two-thirds of the season.

"We can expect a lot of twists and turns," commented a ex-Celtic player. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league is decided on the final day. But they must prove themselves over the next five or six games. You have to be utterly consistent, otherwise they won't take the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Dilemma'

Although the victory over Stuttgart being ultimately irrelevant in Celtic's quest to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, it could still turn out to be significant.

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

Luke McCowan calmly slotted the decisive goal after just 28 seconds and played positively, while in the defence, Dane Murray excelled in a gutsy performance.

Murray in particular stated his claim to start next to Liam Scales. One magnificent defensive intervention was notable and he was assured when defending corners.

But the most talked-about display was saved for back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a first Celtic clean sheet in half a dozen games.

The first-choice goalkeeper has faced intense scrutiny after a series of errors. The Finnish was called upon and made several crucial stops, in a display labeled "flawless" by a club legend.

A club goalkeeping great believes Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some excellent 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. Based on that showing, 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] played brilliantly in the game, exceptionally. He's the talk all round the dressing room," the manager said. "He's got plenty of talent."

'Pivotal' Rangers Challenge Lies Ahead

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

Over the years, Celtic have arrived and typically sought to control possession from the first whistle to the last against every domestic opponent.

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

Having not won at Ibrox in four attempts and considering Rangers have won their last ten home matches, a show of resilience in Germany was well-timed.

Could Celtic take a somewhat more cautious approach? At this moment, it is all about winning.

"You don't need to have all the possession to win the game," observed an pundit. "You've got to work hard, be solid at the back, 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 still have a chance, with a game in hand. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a decisive one."