Celtic's Exciting Attack Options Under Martin O'Neill

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill heads into the weekend with something he did not often enjoy last season – genuine choices in attack.

Striker Kasper Hogh has returned to training over the past couple of days and is pushing hard for involvement, while Kieran Tierney rejoined full sessions with the squad this morning. Both are in contention, with Hogh viewed as the likelier to feature, though O'Neill admitted there are still “a couple of other fitness issues” in the camp.

Young firepower and a different-looking front line

O'Neill did not hide his excitement about 18-year-old forward Justin Mheuka, even if he chose his words carefully.

“I expect him to do well. He looks a player,” O'Neill said. “I wouldn't want to be throwing a host of accolades in someone's direction if they're not up for it, but I think he's definitely capable.”

The teenager is part of a reshaped attacking unit that O'Neill believes is far stronger than the one he relied on last term. With Hogh, Mheuka, Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand all available, the manager sees a very different picture up front.

Celtic, he insisted, “definitely have better options up front than we had last season”, admitting that during the previous campaign he was “wondering where the goals were going to come from”. That anxiety has eased. The expectation now is that this group can share the burden and stretch defences in ways Celtic simply could not manage often enough last year.

Yang’s absence leaves a hole

The optimism is checked by one significant loss. South Korea winger Yang Hyun-jun will miss the next four matches as he heads off on Asian Games duty, and O'Neill made no attempt to play down the impact.

Yang, he said, will be a “big miss” for Celtic. The manager highlighted both sides of the winger’s game – the flair and the graft.

“He's playing exceptionally well for what he does with the ball. It's terrific, he's scored a couple of very important goals for us,” O'Neill said. “And what he's doing without the ball, I don't think anybody could question his workrate. He's been great since I've come in here. I think he's just responded to a bit of encouragement.”

Losing that energy and end product for a key stretch of fixtures will test the depth O'Neill has been so keen to build.

Johnstone’s ambition and the battle for the gloves

At the other end of the pitch, Joe Johnstone’s determination to nail down the number one jersey has gone down well with his manager. O'Neill described it as “really pleasing” that the goalkeeper is openly targeting the starting role.

“It's not that long ago he was involved with the England squad,” O'Neill pointed out. “He's determined, he's looked really good in training, and at some stage he will get into a game because it will be necessary for him.”

The message is clear: Johnstone will get his chance. When it comes, he is expected to be ready.

Respect for Valakari’s St Johnstone

Before any of that unfolds, Celtic must deal with a St Johnstone side that has caught O'Neill’s eye under Simo Valakari.

The Celtic boss called Valakari’s team “really talented” and welcomed their approach.

“It's nice to see them. They want to play football as well and they're committed,” he said. “There's a vitality about them which is very encouraging. Not dissimilar in many aspects to what Craig McLeish is doing at St Mirren.”

Celtic go into the game with more forwards, more competition and more belief in their attacking options. Now comes the real measure: can this new-look front line turn promise into goals when it matters most?