Green Brigade Return Seen as Key Boost for Celtic
Martin O'Neill was in good spirits during Celtic's training session on Friday morning as the club prepared for a crucial phase of the season.
The Celtic manager expressed optimism that the reinstatement of the Green Brigade supporters group, following the lifting of their suspension, would provide a significant boost to the team's title ambitions.
The Green Brigade, who had been suspended since November, will be back at Celtic Park for the upcoming match against St Mirren on Saturday. Their initial six-game ban was imposed on approximately 200 individuals due to "violent and threatening behaviour" during a home fixture against Falkirk in October. This ban was later extended in December in response to further "safety incidents."
"In terms of support, in terms of vocal support, it's great to see them back again," O'Neill stated.
"I think that that would give us a boost. The support we got from Dundee was fantastic.
"I thought they kept us going during the course of the game. They didn't seem to be highly critical of us when we conceded the penalty. It could have dropped away and they kept us going."
Scottish FA Appoints Consultant to Review Old Firm Disorder
O'Neill's comments coincided with the Scottish Football Association's announcement that sports event consultant Mark Blackbourne will lead an investigation into the disturbances that occurred following the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic in March.
There have been ongoing tensions between certain factions of Celtic's fanbase and the club's board concerning issues such as summer transfer dealings, managerial appointments, and crowd safety measures.
Dialogue has taken place between the Green Brigade and Celtic's management, with the club confirming earlier in the week that Glasgow City Council's Safety Advisory Group had approved the lifting of the suspension.
"I think that the safety regulations have been sorted," O'Neill commented. "We've got to just see how it goes and see what the end of the season brings. Let's have a proper conversation at the end."
Title Race and Upcoming Fixtures
As defending champions, Celtic enter Saturday's fixture trailing league leaders Heart of Midlothian by three points and Rangers by two.
The recently released post-split Scottish Premiership schedule reveals that Hearts will visit Celtic Park on the final day of the season. However, O'Neill cautioned against prematurely viewing that match as a potential title decider.
"It's certainly a long way off for us" to consider the final game as decisive, he said.
"Our goal difference is inferior to both our rivals, but it's too late now to focus on that. I would just be delighted to win the games."
Injury Updates
O'Neill also provided updates on the squad's injury situation. On-loan right-back Julian Araujo has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury after returning to Bournemouth for treatment. This setback will sideline him for the remainder of the season and potentially rule him out of the World Cup with Mexico.
Additionally, right-back Colby Donovan is dealing with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out for approximately two weeks. However, Canada international Alistair Johnston could make a return next weekend, marking his first appearance since October.
