The Hoops are five points off leaders Hearts and rooted in third as the Premiership approaches it’s finale
Martin O’Neill (left) and Daizen Maeda(Image: PA)
Martin O’Neill has been warned that he must settle on a leading Celtic striker for the final Premiership run-in.
With just two games remaining before the league splits, Derek McInnes’ men remain at the top of the pile with the Hoops trailing by five points after defeat to Dundee United. The Jambos hold a three point advantage over Rangers – but could fall to second before they have the chance to next kick a ball.
The Light Blues face Dundee United on April 4, and a win would move them to the summit on goal difference before Hearts face Livingston the following day. But defending champions Celtic are now on the outside looking in for seven-game title shoot-out.
O’Neill is relying on stumbles from the table-topping Tynecastle men and their Glasgow rivals to defend their crown. Pundit and former Rangers striker Gordon Dalziel reckons that a settled frontline is necessary for the Hoops to claim glory.
Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu and Daizen Maeda have all recently had spells leading the line. Johnny Kenny was given a run in the team by O’Neill before he was punted out on loan to Bolton in the winter window.
Dalziel told Open Goal: “It’s worrying if you are a Celtic fan [defeat to Dundee United]. Forget the pitch, but if Celtic won 2-1 nobody is bothered.
“My big concern just now is, you look at Rangers and you look at Hearts and they are capable of scoring goals. I look a the front three – Yang at Celtic Park looks busy, and can score goals. [Sebastian] Tounekti on the left does nothing for me, apart from when he comes on the pitch [as a substitute].
“They are chopping and changing their centre-forwards like there is no tomorrow, and then going back to Maeda.
Celtic’s Junior Adamu(Image: PA)
“I think, especially with the split, it is going to come down to somebody that is just going to bang the goals in.”
The fixture list is to be announced by the SPFL following matchday 33.
However, league bosses have already confirmed the schedules and dates for the final five fixtures to Celtic, Hearts and Rangers.
Post-split dates are the weekends of April 25/26, May 2/3 and May 9/10 and the midweek of May 12/13. The final round of top-six matches will take place on Saturday May 16, kick-off 12.30pm.
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