Do Celtic have 'big issues', or will next four days hush concerns?

Celtic arrive at a packed spell of fixtures under heightened scrutiny after a 3-0 Premier Sports Cup quarter-final loss at Rangers and their earlier Champions League play-off collapse in Linz. The team open a Europa League campaign against Ferencvaros before a league rematch with Rangers on Sunday — two matches that supporters hope will alter perceptions.

WHAT HAPPENED

Martin O'Neill's side were handed a sobering defeat at Ibrox and have had questions raised about team selection and their ability in big games. The manager pushed back, saying: "It's strange you're never asked about team selection when you win games" and adding that the team have "won our league games so far." Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton described his "great concerns", saying the team have "big issues" and that a "lightweight" midfield was "run all over". Club captain Callum McGregor lamented a "team of individuals" after the Ibrox loss.

KEY CONTEXT

O'Neill, 74, led Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup last season after taking over in difficult circumstances. Supporters have been calling for improved European displays and a more convincing style of play. Domestically, Celtic's Premiership-winning run was extended to 13 matches after six straight victories to start the new campaign, although four of those six wins have been by one-goal margins.

There are mixed statistical signals. Celtic have faced a high number of attempts in recent fixtures: 60 shots across the two legs against LASK (40 in the second leg) and 64 attempts faced in the Premiership so far this season — the same as Hearts and six more than Rangers. Comparisons with last term indicate the team are currently averaging a better goal concession rate while also scoring and shooting more.

Summer signings have produced uneven returns. Camilo Duran has been the standout recruit with six goals and three assists in 10 appearances, while record signing Kasper Hogh and Haissem Hassan are described as yet to fully settle.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Celtic's immediate schedule puts them into European action against Ferencvaros before the domestic rematch with Rangers. The next four days are described as potentially mood-shifting, offering the side a chance to respond to recent criticism and alter the narrative around their season.

Source: BBC Sport Football