European Exit Complete - Now, Celtic Face a Pivotal Two-Week Period

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

By 14 March, they could be motoring in the league with the wind at their backs and through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Alternatively, they might find themselves still struggling to retain the championship and staring at a trophyless season.

The initial challenge is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a massive league match, with Celtic behind Rangers by two points having played one match 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 in-form and formidable Motherwell.

A half-dozen of their next seven matches are away from Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic squad is set to be stress-tested after a chaotic opening months of the season.

"There will be a lot of twists and turns," stated a former Celtic defender. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league goes to the final day. But they will have to do it over the coming handful of games. You have to be relentless, otherwise they will not win the trophies."

O'Neill Now Has Selection 'Dilemma'

Although the victory over Stuttgart being ultimately irrelevant in Celtic's quest to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League, it could still turn out to be significant.

The manager changed eight of his starting line-up and some of the squad members delivered impressive displays to claim the club's maiden win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the decisive goal after under half a minute and was a positive influence, while in the defence, Dane Murray excelled in a gutsy display.

Murray in particular stated his claim to start next to Liam Scales. A superb defensive intervention was notable and he was assured when defending corners.

But the most talked-about performance was saved for back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he contributed significantly in a long-awaited shutout in six matches.

The established goalkeeper has been under intense scrutiny after a series of errors. The Finnish was called upon and made several crucial stops, in a display described as "flawless" 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 composed when he had the ball and read the game well," he said. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be giving him the nod. Let him keep his place in the team now."

The Celtic manager agreed 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 commented. "He's got plenty of talent."

'Critical' Rangers Test Awaits

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

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

But this less robust side had looked increasingly vulnerable in recent times, regularly conceding more than one goal per game.

Having not won at Ibrox in their last four visits and given Rangers have won their last ten home matches, a demonstration of toughness in Germany was well-timed.

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

"You don't need to have most of the ball to win the game," noted an analyst. "You've got to work hard, be solid at the back, get a slice of fortune and have a good goalkeeper."

"Celtic have struggled for form this season, but they are still in contention [in the league]. They still have a chance, with a match to spare. The players will pick up great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a critical one."