Nick Viergever of FC Utrecht concedes an own goal, which results in the second goal for Celtic, during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Q: How important is the confidence that grows from a result like this, getting back to basics, winning matches and keeping morale up?
Martin O’Neill: “Yeah, I think all of those things follow from the result and obviously performance. So the players were ready for it. I was concerned because we didn’t make that many changes in the team from Sunday. They go again, and at some stage or another, I expect them to flag a little bit. I don’t think that you can constantly press in the manner in which we do. You can’t keep that going for 90 minutes. But the important thing is that when you don’t press, then there’s moments where you just have to sit back and make sure that you’re covered.
“We allowed them in their second goal. They’ve knocked it over the top and scored from their viewpoint a good goal. So that put us on the back foot for a while, and it would have been a bit of a concern. But again, Trusty comes up with a magnificent header and we win. And it’s just nice to get through. But getting back to your point, of course winning breeds confidence.”
Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates after scores the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Q: With two more games now in the schedule, possibly more if you progress, does tonight highlight the importance of adding to the squad?
Martin O’Neill: “Of course. Absolutely.”
Q: Where are you at with that?
Martin O’Neill: “Absolutely. We are definitely making progress. There’s no question about that. Definitely.”
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