European Exit Complete - Now, Celtic Enter a Critical Fortnight

With the Europa League behind them, Celtic are now staring down a season-defining two-week spell.

Come mid-March, they could be motoring in the league with the wind at their backs and into the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Alternatively, they might find themselves further toiling to defend their title and staring at a trophyless season.

The first stop is Ibrox on Sunday for a titanic league encounter, with Celtic behind Rangers by two points having played one game fewer, with Hearts six points ahead of the champions.

This is followed by a midweek trip to Aberdeen, before heading back to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup last eight and then welcoming in-form and formidable Motherwell.

Six of their following seven fixtures are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic team is about to be stress-tested after a rollercoaster opening months of the season.

"We can expect a lot of twists and turns," commented a ex-Celtic player. "It wouldn't shock me if the league is decided on the final day. But they will have to do it over the next five or six games. You have to be relentless, or else they won't take the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Conundrum'

Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart being ultimately irrelevant in Celtic's quest to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, it could yet prove important.

The manager rotated a large number of his first eleven and some of the squad members put in impressive performances to secure the club's maiden win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the winner after under half a minute and was a positive influence, while in the defence, Dane Murray stood out in a gutsy display.

Murray especially stated his claim to start alongside Liam Scales. A superb block stood out and he was assured when defending corners.

But the most talked-about performance was delivered by second-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a long-awaited shutout in half a dozen games.

The established goalkeeper has faced intense scrutiny after a string of mistakes. The Finnish stepped in and made several crucial stops, in a display labeled "flawless" by a club legend.

A former Celtic goalkeeper is of the opinion Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some excellent saves and looked calm when he had the ball and read the game well," he said. "The manager has a tough call to make at the weekend. Based on that showing, I would be starting him. 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, really well. He's the talk all round the dressing room," the manager said. "He's got a lot of talent."

'Critical' Rangers Test 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 dominate the ball from start to finish against every domestic opponent.

But this more fragile side had looked increasingly vulnerable in recent times, often conceding more than one goal per game.

Having not won at Ibrox in their last four visits and given Rangers have won their past 10 home matches, a demonstration of toughness in Germany was well-timed.

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

"You don't need to have all the possession to win the game," noted an pundit. "You've got to put in the effort, defend well, 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 retain a chance, with a game in hand. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a decisive one."