Celtic have a significant run of fixtures ahead before the next international break.
Brendan Rodgers’ side got back to winning ways with a crucial win against Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday, thanks to second-half goals by Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren.
But the big games don’t end there. The Hoops travel to Tynecastle for a top-of-the-table clash against Hearts. If the Jambos win, they can go eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Falkirk come to Celtic Park next Wednesday, before the small matter of a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden.
And it’s the Glasgow Derby fixture which is causing debate in Northern Ireland, for one understandable reason.
Celtic vs Rangers semi-final causes controversy in Northern Ireland
The North of Ireland has been kind to Celtic in the 21st century – Rodgers, Neil Lennon and Martin O’Neill have all guided the Hoops to domestic trebles.
The Celts also faced off against Cliftonville and Linfield in Champions League qualifiers in the 2010s.
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Of course, Celtic’s Irish links don’t need explaining – but next weekend, they are throwing up a fixture headache in the NIFL Premiership.
The semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup will kick off at 2PM next week. The showpiece fixture in Northern Ireland, between Cliftonville and Linfield, kicks off at 3PM.
Former Linfield general manager David Graham, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, expressed his frustration about the kick-off clash.
“I think it’s really disappointing when there’s so much effort to grow the League here.
“The frustration is that you have a big Old Firm Cup Semi-Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden at 2.00pm and you’re playing Cliftonville against Linfield at Solitude at 3.00pm. It doesn’t make sense.
“We can talk about the Irish League fixture being in place first, but you also have to realise there are certain things that in many ways are beyond our control historically, traditionally and stereotypically, such as the vast majority of Linfield and Cliftonville fans will also be supporters of either side of the Old Firm.
“There has to be a flexibility, a malleability and recognition that there will be many Linfield fans who will prioritise going to watch Rangers either at Hampden or on the TV over going to Solitude.
“The same can be said for Cliftonville and Celtic.”
Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers
On paper, the Hoops will enter the game at Hampden as overwhelming favourites – but they are yet to beat their city rivals in 2025.
Russell Martin has been sacked by the Ibrox side since the goalless draw in September – Danny Rohl has now taken charge.
But judging from their Europa League defeat to Brann on Thursday, they can very easily be got at.
But with injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho, Alistair Johnston and Cameron-Carter-Vickers all coming this week, it will still be a major test of Celtic’s depth.