Johan Mjallby is confident Celtic have the quality required to win the Scottish Premiership for a fifth consecutive season, although the former Hoops defender expects the title could be decided on the final day…
The champions boosted their chances with a thrilling 3-2 fightback against Kilmarnock on Sunday. Combined with Hearts’ 4-2 defeat at Ibrox later in the day, Martin O’Neill’s men have cut the gap at the top to three points while also holding a game in hand.
Attention now turns to Europe, with Celtic set to face VfB Stuttgart in the first leg of their Europa League knockout playoff tie on Thursday.
A domestic clash with Hibernian follow, before a crucial league and cup weekend Glasgow Derbies against the latest Ibrox club with the re-arranged trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen sandwiched in between the league then Scottish cup matches against theRangers.
Despite the demanding run of fixtures, Mjallby – who worked under O’Neill during his time at Celtic from 2000 to 2004 – believes his former side can win a 56th league championship, even if the outcome is not settled until the closing stages of the campaign.
Speaking via Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, Mjallby said: “I do [believe they will do it]. I think it’s going to be nip-and-tuck. I have a wee incline that it is going to be decided on the last day.”
Mjalby was then asked about Sebastian Tounekti’s form following his stunning strike in Ayrshire to pull Celtic back into the game. The Swede said: “I’m not too sure he deserves to start every game. For me, he is one of them who blows hot and cold. When he is on it, he is brilliant.”
“But sometimes he can be quite easy to read and not much is happening (for him). But what I do like about him is that when he has been brought on, he is an impact player.”
“And that’s what all the players who are not starting the games regularly need to take the chances when they come by scoring goals or making assists.”
Mjallby has also admitted that Celtic’s performances at the back in recent matches have raised a few worries for him.
The 55 year-old pundit stated: “It’s a worry for me. If they are not going to be solid enough when it comes to the run in, then they are going to struggle to win it [the league].”
“They are scoring goals but they can’t really think that is going to be it. They need to get better at set pieces, every time I watch them at one I get worried.”
“It looks to me that they are very vulnerable at set pieces. That is something that the manager has to address, there is no question about that.“
Conor Spence
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