Out of Europe - Next Up, Celtic Confront a Pivotal Two-Week Period

With the Europa League behind them, Celtic now face a campaign-altering two-week spell.

Come mid-March, they might be cruising in the league with the momentum on their side and through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Alternatively, they could be still struggling to defend their title and staring at a silverware-free campaign.

The first stop is Ibrox on Sunday for a huge league match, with Celtic behind Rangers by two points having played one game less, with Hearts six clear of the title holders.

Then it is a journey in midweek to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then welcoming in-form and formidable Motherwell.

Six of their following seven matches are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic team is set to be put under severe pressure after a tumultuous first two-thirds of the season.

"We can expect a lot of twists and turns," stated a former Celtic defender. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league is decided on the final day. But they must prove themselves over the coming handful of games. You have to be relentless, or else they will not win the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Headache'

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 significant.

The manager changed eight of his first eleven and some of the squad members put in impressive displays to claim the club's first ever win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the decisive goal after under half a minute and was a positive influence, while in the back four, several defenders excelled in a resilient display.

Murray especially stated his claim to start alongside Liam Scales. A superb defensive intervention was notable and he was confident when defending corners.

But the most talked-about display was delivered by second-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he contributed significantly in a first Celtic clean sheet in half a dozen games.

The first-choice goalkeeper has faced intense scrutiny after a string of mistakes. The Finnish was called upon and made six saves, in a display described as "perfect" by a former Celtic midfielder.

A club goalkeeping great is of the opinion Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some very good saves and looked calm when he had the ball and read the game well," was the assessment. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. Based on that showing, I would be giving him the nod. Let him keep his place in the team now."

The Celtic manager conceded that a number of individuals have given him "plenty to consider".

"[Sinisalo] was outstanding in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room," the manager said. "He's got a lot of talent."

'Pivotal' Rangers Test Lies Ahead

The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they demonstrated they can battle to a victory.

Over the years, Celtic have pitched up and naturally looked to control possession from the first whistle to the last against every domestic opponent.

But this more fragile side had looked increasingly vulnerable this year, regularly letting in more than one goal per game.

Without a victory at Ibrox in four attempts and considering Rangers have won their past 10 home matches, a show of resilience in Germany was well-timed.

Could Celtic take a somewhat more cautious approach? Right now, it is solely concerning winning.

"You don't have to have most of the ball to win the game," observed an analyst. "You've got to put in the effort, defend well, get a slice of fortune and have a good goalkeeper."

"Celtic have not played well this season, but they are hanging in there [in the league]. They still have a chance, with a game in hand. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a decisive one."