Celtic prepare for tonight's Europa League opener against Ferencvaros, with manager Martin O'Neill warning the European clash "won't be easy" despite recovery of Kieran Tierney and Kasper Høgh. The Hungarian visitors arrive unbeaten in their last five league matches, though Celtic remain without seven players due to injury, suspension and international duty.
Celtic host Ferencvaros at Parkhead on Thursday 17 September at 20:00 UK time in the UEFA Europa League League Phase, with the match broadcast on TNT Sports 3. The Hungarian side arrive in outstanding form—unbeaten in five league matches and having demolished DEAC 7-0 on Saturday—but Celtic will field a depleted side with seven unavailable players.
Source: The Scotsman
Speaking ahead of the Ferencvaros match, manager Martin O'Neill acknowledged the challenge ahead, telling media "It won't be easy" but expressing hope that Celtic can "be up for it and ready" in European competition. Reflecting on Sunday's 3-0 Rangers defeat, O'Neill told players: "I'm not so sure whether Rangers beat us or we beat ourselves in that sense. You've got to put the work in, you've got to do it every single week."
Source: The Scotsman
Encouraging news on the injury front: Kieran Tierney and Kasper Høgh have returned to full training with the group after recent injury concerns. Alistair Johnston was also spotted doing individual training, though their exact availability for the Ferencvaros match is yet to be confirmed.
Source: 67 Hail Hail
Joel Mvuka's permanent transfer to Celtic has been renegotiated into a season-long loan with an option to buy after his medical revealed a pre-existing condition, adjusting the structure of the deal.
Source: Celtic News Now
Adam Montgomery has rejoined Livingston on a season-long loan for the 2026/27 campaign, providing him with regular first-team football away from Celtic Park.
Source: Celtic News Now
Winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha is being monitored by several European clubs including Monza, Basel and Elversberg, with the 25-year-old Belgian-Congolese player on the radar of multiple scouts.
Source: Celtic News Now
Colby Donovan has been named in new Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli's inaugural international squad, earning his place in the setup for upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Source: Celtic News Now
Rock band Oasis has announced a historic five-night residency at Celtic Park, marking the opening leg of their Live '27 world tour. The shows run from Thursday 21 May through Friday 29 May 2027, with Richard Ashcroft (ex-Verve frontman) as support. Ticket registration closed at 4pm on Wednesday, with onsale happening across three dates from 25–27 September at staggered times.
Source: The Scotsman
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is close to completing a season-long loan move from Wolverhampton, though the deal presents an interesting dynamic with Viljami Sinisalo currently first-choice at Celtic Park.
Source: 67 Hail Hail
Celtic Quick News and The Celtic Star have conducted extensive post-mortems on how Callum McGregor, Benjamin Nygren and Mika Baur failed to shield the defence at Ibrox, with the midfield's inability to control tempo emerging as the central focus. The channels' analysis suggests the balance and work-rate in the middle of the park was the root of Sunday's 3-0 collapse.
Source: Celtic Quick News, The Celtic Star
Chris Sutton delivered a scathing critique following the Rangers defeat, criticizing the squad as "bullied" and "mauled". He has also questioned Celtic's summer business, arguing that the arrivals of Sørensen and van den Berg do not adequately address the defensive midfield gap left by the absence of a player with Neil Lennon's calibre.
Source: 67 Hail Hail
Celtic Supporters Ltd issued a stinging post-match statement, slamming the club's board and leadership following the Rangers defeat. The supporter organisation accused decision-makers of making "the same mistakes" and called for urgent accountability and change in how the club is being run.
Source: 67 Hail Hail
Fan channels are framing Thursday's Ferencvaros match as an immediate opportunity to restore credibility and prove character still exists after Sunday's display. Despite the cup exit, Celtic supporter outlets reflect pragmatism about regrouping before the upcoming fixtures, with the European competition viewed as a chance to reset.
Source: Celtic fan channels
After matches of 15 Sep
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celtic | 6 | 11 | 18 |
| 2 | Rangers | 6 | 3 | 13 |
| 3 | Hearts | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| 4 | St Mirren | 6 | 2 | 10 |
| 5 | Motherwell | 6 | -1 | 8 |
| 6 | Dundee | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| 7 | St Johnstone | 6 | -1 | 7 |
| 8 | Aberdeen | 6 | -1 | 7 |
| 9 | Hibernian | 6 | -3 | 6 |
| 10 | Falkirk | 6 | -3 | 5 |
| 11 | Dundee United | 6 | -5 | 5 |
| 12 | Kilmarnock | 6 | -9 | 4 |