European Exit Complete - Next Up, Celtic Face a Critical Two-Week Period

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

Come mid-March, they could be motoring in the title race with the momentum on their side and into the Scottish Cup last four.

Or, they might find themselves still struggling to defend their title and staring at a trophyless campaign.

The first stop is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a huge league clash, with Celtic behind Rangers by two points after playing one match fewer, with Hearts six clear of the title holders.

This is followed by a journey in midweek to Aberdeen, before heading back to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then welcoming high-flying and tough Motherwell.

Six of their next seven matches are away from Celtic Park. This much-maligned Celtic group is about to be put under severe pressure after a tumultuous first two-thirds of the season.

"There will be a lot of twists and turns," stated a ex-Celtic player. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league goes to the final day. But they will have to do it over the next five or six games. You have to be utterly consistent, or else they will not win the trophies."

Manager Faces Selection 'Headache'

Although the victory over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's bid to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League, it could yet prove important.

The manager changed eight of his first eleven and some of the squad members put in eye-catching displays to claim the club's first ever win in Germany.

Luke McCowan calmly slotted the winner after under half a minute and played positively, while in the defence, Dane Murray stood out in a resilient performance.

Murray especially made his case to start alongside Liam Scales. One magnificent defensive intervention stood out and he was assured when defending corners.

But the most discussed performance was saved for back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he contributed significantly in a first Celtic clean sheet in half a dozen games.

The first-choice goalkeeper has faced intense scrutiny after a series of errors. The Finnish was called upon and made six saves, in a display described as "flawless" by a former Celtic midfielder.

A former Celtic goalkeeper is of the opinion Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some very good saves and looked calm when he had the ball and had good anticipation," was the assessment. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. Based on that showing, I would be giving him the nod. Let him keep his place in the team now."

The Celtic manager agreed that several players have given him "food for thought".

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

'Critical' Rangers Test Lies Ahead

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

Historically, Celtic have arrived and typically sought to control possession from the first whistle to the last against every domestic opponent.

But this less robust side had looked increasingly vulnerable this year, often letting in more than one goal per game.

Having not won 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? At this moment, it is all about winning.

"You don't need to have all the possession to win the game," observed an pundit. "You've got to work hard, defend well, get a slice of fortune and have a good goalkeeper."

"Celtic have not played well this season, but they are still in contention [in the league]. They still have a chance, with a game in hand. The players will pick up great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a decisive one."