Celtic are facing a difficult period amid fan protests and a lack of clarity over their next permanent manager, but that hasn’t stopped one player from declaring his desire to sign for the Hoops this summer.
O’Neill dreams of ‘utopia’ where Celtic are a club united
Martin O’Neill is longing for some unity at Celtic Park after a fractured atmosphere in their Europa League defeat by Stuttgart.
The first leg of the knockout round play-off was disrupted by the co-ordinated throwing of dozens of mini balls on to the pitch as fans continued their campaign for boardroom change and the reinstatement of the Green Brigade ultras, who are subject to an indefinite ban.
Relations between fans and the board have been strained for more than 12 months as a result of frustration over the club’s transfer strategy.
But Thursday’s 4-1 defeat saw a section of fans audibly turn on goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel after he let in two soft goals.
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O’Neill is desperate for supporters to back his players during Sunday’s visit of Hibernian as the William Hill Premiership champions chase Hearts and Rangers.
“Well, that would be utopia for us,” he said. “To get us all together and feeling that this football club can only push in one direction if everybody’s going that way.”
Interim chairman Brian Wilson described Thursday’s protest as “deeply disappointing”.
Hoops legend Stiliyan Petrov was also left stunned by the protests, saying it’s a “big problem” for the players.
One man who has not been deterred by the troublesome period however is loan signing Tomas Cvancara, who has now publicly backed himself to secure a long-term move to Glasgow this summer.
Cvancara wants to “convince” Celtic to sign him permanently
Speaking on the Celtic Podcast this week, the Czechia international reaffirmed his desire for the Hoops to trigger their roughly £7m permanent option in his loan deal.
“If I’m good enough, my goal is to convince the club and the board that they have to sign me.
“I’m happy that I’m now at a new club that trusts me and where I can show what I’m capable of.”
The 25 year-old, who has already scored and registered two assists in just four Premiership appearances, has fallen out with parent club Borussia Mönchengladbach, having accused them of failing to provide support for him in the past.
Celtic currently sit six points off the pace in the Scottish top flight, but have been boosted by the news that Rangers will be without a key player for next week’s Old Firm.
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The Gers may face a difficult spell.