Author: Conor Spence

Just finished my degree studying History and Journalism, Media and Communications at the University of Strathclyde and now writing regularly about the Hoops on Celtic Shorts, having cut my teeth on The Celtic Star.

Martin O’Neill insisted Celtic must remain fully focused despite moving to the brink of another Scottish Premiership title following Sunday’s 3-1 derby victory over theRangers. Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores the third goal via bicycle kick during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) The win over their rivals strengthened Celtic’s position heading into the final week of the campaign, with the Hoops now just two wins away from being crowned champions once again. Despite the significance of the result, O’Neill stressed there was no room for…

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Martin O’Neill has given an explanation why he started Luke McCowan in yesterday’s 3-1 victory over the Ibrox club at Celtic Park. The Celtic midfielder was at fault for the opening goal of the game after losing possession which led to Mikey Moore giving theRangers the lead after nine minutes. However, McCowan more than made up for his error, perfectly timing his pass to Arne Engels who cut it back to Yang Hyun-jun for Celtic’s equaliser. Hyunjun Yang of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Scottish Premier ship match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on…

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Daizen Maeda played down the brilliance of his spectacular overhead kick after inspiring Celtic to a 3-1 derby victory over the Ibrox club at Celtic Park. Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates after he scores our third goal via a bicycle kick during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) The Japanese forward struck twice in the second half as Celtic came from behind to claim a vital win as they chase down a fifth consecutive league title. The Ibrox club had taken the lead through Mikey Moore…

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Debate has continued over Alistair Johnston’s first-half challenge on Ibrox winger Mikey Moore during Celtic’s 3-1 victory at Celtic Park. The Celtic defender was booked after sliding into Moore in a tackle that immediately divided opinion among pundits during the latest Glasgow Derby encounter. Sky Sports pundits Kris Boyd and James McFadden both suggested Johnston may have been fortunate to remain on the pitch, with discussion around whether the incident warranted a red card. Mikey Moore of the Rangers looks dejected at full-time following the team’s defeat in the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park…

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Celtic are edging closer to reclaiming the Scottish Premiership title despite enduring one of the most inconsistent campaigns by a potential champion in modern history. Fans of Celtic display a tifo which reads ‘we’ll fight it out until the end’, seen during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Martin O’Neill’s side now sit just one point behind leaders Hearts with only two matches remaining, and victories over Motherwell and Hearts would see the trophy return to Celtic Park for a fifth consecutive season. What makes Celtic’s…

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Yang Hyun-jun jokingly conceded defeat in Celtic’s internal Goal of the Season award after Daizen Maeda’s spectacular strike against Ibrox club stole the spotlight at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon. Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s third goal via bicycle kick during the Scottishl Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Although Yang was also on target during the 3-1 derby victory, his first-half equaliser was overshadowed by Maeda’s sensational overhead kick, which sealed the points for Martin O’Neill’s side in memorable fashion. The aftermath of…

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Celtic supporters and the Hoops stadium announcer aimed a cheeky dig at Ibrox boss Danny Rohl following the Scottish champions’ dramatic 3-1 victory in the Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon. the Rangers manager Danny Röhl is seen during the Scottish Premiership League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Post-match, music played over the stadium sound system mocked theRangers manager by using the tune associated with his now well-known chant, which Ibrox fans have sung throughout the campaign to the melody of Boney M’s “Daddy Cool”. The moment sparked loud…

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Celtic’s social media team took aim at theRangers online after the Scottish champions’ 3-1 victory at Celtic Park consigned the Ibrox club to a third place finish. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 10: Tuur Rommens of Rangers clashes with Alistair Johnston of Celtic during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) An entertaining Glasgow Derby encounter saw Celtic recover from an early setback after Mikey Moore fired Rangers ahead. Yang Hyun-jun levelled for the Hoops before Daizen Maeda struck twice to seal a crucial…

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Chris Sutton singled out Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels for special praise after Celtic came from behind to defeat theRangers 3-1 in Sunday’s Glasgow Derby clash. The visitors had taken an early lead through Mikey Moore, but Celtic responded strongly as Yang Hyun-jun restored parity before Daizen Maeda struck twice to secure a vital win for Martin O’Neill’s side. Post-match, former Celtic striker Sutton highlighted the impact of both Johnston and Engels, while also defending the Canadian full-back over an incident involving Moore in the first-half that has sparked debate. On X, Sutton posted, “Engels excelled today. Celtic greater legs…

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Martin O’Neill lavished praise on Daizen Maeda after the Japanese forward inspired a 3-1 win over theRangers with a sensational double at Celtic Park. Daizen Maeda of Celtic applauds the fans at full-time following the victory in the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Maeda struck twice in the second half within the space of four minutes, including a spectacular overhead kick that capped a memorable derby triumph and immediately sparked comparisons with some of the finest goals in fixture history. O’Neill was full of admiration…

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Callum McGregor has underlined the significance of the Celtic support ahead of today’s huge Glasgow Derby… Callum McGregor, Auston Trusty, Kieran Tierney, Viljami Sinisalo and teammates applaud the Celtic fans after the Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Celtic at Easter Road on May 03, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images) The Hoops skipper – who is no stranger to the fierce atmosphere of the Glasgow derby, – is preparing for another high-stakes encounter as Celtic continue their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title against Danny Röhl’s side. Speaking in the build-up to Sunday’s meeting, the 32-year-old stressed that a…

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Martin O’Neill says he has not dismissed the possibility of Reo Hatate being involved for Celtic in today’s Glasgow derby showdown…. Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates scoring our second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between the Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on March 01, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Martin O’Neill and Danny Rohl’s side’s are set to meet for the final occasion this season at Celtic Park this lunchtime. Despite featuring for only 17 minutes over the last month, Hatate could still have a role to play, with O’Neill pointing to the midfielder’s previous experience in the…

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Calvin Miller admits he is not expecting to force his way into Scotland’s World Cup plans despite his impressive form for Falkirk this season… The former Celtic academy player has enjoyed a successful campaign in the Premiership and has been mentioned as a potential option for Steve Clarke due to Scotland’s shortage of wingers. However, the 28-year-old remains realistic about his chances of earning a surprise call-up and says any opportunity to represent his country would likely come further down the line rather than this summer. Calvin Miller is not expecting to be on the plane to America Speaking via…

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John Hartson believes Kelechi Iheanacho has become one of the most dangerous attacking options in the Premiership and is backing the striker to trouble theRangers in Sunday’s derby clash… Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates Hibs v Celtic, Easter Road, Scottish Premiership, 3 May 2026. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou The Nigerian forward has made a huge impact for Celtic in recent weeks, most recently scoring the winner against Hibernian at Easter Road. He also netted a late goal against Dundee and grabbed a brace in the Scottish Cup semi-final demolition of St Mirren, taking his recent tally to four goals in five…

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Martin O’Neill voiced his frustration over officiating and VAR during Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Hibernian last weekend. Douglas Ross – Hibs v Celtic, Easter Road, Scottish Premiership, 3 May 2026. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou Reflecting on the Easter Road encounter, the Celtic manager admitted his side had to battle through several “difficulties” before securing all three points. O’Neill specifically highlighted the incident surrounding Daizen Maeda’s opener, which was initially ruled out after linesman Douglas Ross raised his flag for offside before VAR overturned the decision. Daizen Maeda celebrates. Hibs v Celtic, Easter Road, Scottish Premiership, 3 May 2026. Photo…

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Daizen Maeda and Cameron Carter-Vickers were both present at Lennoxtown this morning as Celtic stepped up preparations for this weekend’s Glasgow Derby encounter. The influential duo took part in Friday’s training session at Lennoxtown ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash with theRangers at Celtic Park. There had been growing concern over Maeda’s condition after the Hoops star appeared to suffer a knock during last weekend’s 2-1 victory against Hibernian. The Japanese forward was seen limping late in the game at Easter Road, raising doubts about his involvement in this weekend’s derby. Celtic v Rangers – Scottish Premiership – Celtic Park…

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Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is once again being linked with a summer transfer, with Atletico Madrid reportedly preparing a substantial move for the Danish international… Matt O’Riley of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden on April 20, 2024 i(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) The ex-Celtic star has found it difficult to secure a regular role since arriving at Brighton in a £25 million switch in August 2024. After struggling to make an immediate impact, O’Riley spent the first half of the campaign on loan at…

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Former Celtic forward John Hartson says Martin O’Neill has the chance to place himself among the likes of Jock Stein should he steer Celtic to the Premiership title this season… Martin O’Neill arrives at Celtic Park. Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou Celtic head into Sunday’s Glasgow Derby encounter with the Ibrox club knowing only a win will keep their title hopes alive. While Hearts appear well positioned in the race for the title, Hartson believes the Hoops are still capable of pulling…

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Former Hearts manager Robbie Neilson believes Celtic supporters may initially be unconvinced by the prospect of Jens Berthel Askou being appointed, although he feels the Hoops should still seriously consider the Dane for the role…. Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou is seen during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on March 14, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Askou – currently in charge of Motherwell – has emerged as a potential candidate for the Celtic vacancy after overseeing an impressive turnaround at Fir Park, where his attacking approach has pushed the club towards European qualification.…

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St Johnstone chief executive Fran Smith has suggested the club could yet reconsider plans regarding Celtic supporters’ ticket allocation at McDiarmid Park for next season… St Johnstone v Celtic – Scottish Premiership – McDiarmid Park. Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring Celtic’s fifth goal of the game at McDiarmid Park, Perth. Saturday September 28, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow IMAGO Earlier this week, it was announced that both Celtic and the Ibrox club would receive access to three stands when travelling to Perth following St Johnstone’s return to the Scottish Premiership. The move stands in contrast to the approach adopted by several other…

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