Out of Europe - Next Up, Celtic Confront a Crucial Fortnight

Now their European journey is over, Celtic now face a season-defining two-week spell.

By 14 March, they could be motoring in the league with the momentum on their side and into the Scottish Cup last four.

Alternatively, they might find themselves further toiling to defend their title and staring at a trophyless season.

The first stop is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a massive league encounter, with Celtic trailing Rangers by a couple of points having played one game less, with Hearts six clear of the champions.

Then it is a journey in midweek to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then hosting high-flying and tough Motherwell.

Six of their next 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 opening months of the season.

"There will be a lot of surprises and changes," commented a former Celtic defender. "It wouldn't shock me if the league goes to the final day. But they must prove themselves over the coming handful of games. You have to be utterly consistent, or else they won't take the trophies."

Manager Faces Selection 'Conundrum'

Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart being ultimately irrelevant in Celtic's quest to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League, it could yet prove important.

The manager rotated a large number of his starting line-up and some of the fringe players delivered eye-catching displays to secure the club's first ever win in Germany.

Luke McCowan calmly slotted the winner after just 28 seconds and played positively, while in the back four, Dane Murray excelled in a gutsy display.

Murray in particular stated his claim to start next to Liam Scales. One magnificent defensive intervention stood out and he was assured when dealing with set-pieces.

But the most discussed display was saved for second-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a first Celtic clean sheet in six matches.

The first-choice goalkeeper has been under heavy criticism after a series of errors. The 26-year-old stepped in and made six saves, in a display described as "flawless" by a club legend.

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

"He had some excellent saves and looked composed when he had the ball and had good anticipation," was the assessment. "The manager has a tough call to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be starting him. Give him a run in the team now."

The Celtic manager conceded that several players have given him "plenty to consider".

"[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. He's the talk all round the dressing room," the manager commented. "He's got a lot of talent."

'Critical' Rangers Challenge Lies Ahead

The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they showed they can grind out a victory.

Over the years, Celtic have pitched up and naturally looked to dominate the ball from start to finish against every domestic opponent.

But this less robust side had looked more and more susceptible this year, regularly conceding more than one goal per game.

Without a victory at Ibrox in their last four visits and given Rangers have won their past 10 home matches, a show of resilience in Germany was timely.

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

"You don't need to have all the possession to win the game," observed an pundit. "You've got to put in the effort, be solid at the back, get a bit of luck and have a reliable shot-stopper."

"Celtic have struggled for form this season, but they are hanging in there [in the league]. They retain a chance, with a game in hand. The players will pick up great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a critical one."