By Celtic Bhoys Blog | March 29, 2026
Hail Hail, Celtic fans!
In what has been a rollercoaster of a 2025/26 season, full of highs, heartbreaking lows, managerial changes, and a relentless title race that refuses to let go, Martin O’Neill has stepped up once again to deliver a timely boost to the green and white faithful. The legendary former (and now current) Celtic boss has been a rock since returning as interim manager until the end of the season back in January. And just as the pressure mounts ahead of a crucial away trip to Dundee on Easter Sunday, April 5, O’Neill has dropped some genuinely uplifting news that could change the complexion of Celtic’s run-in.
“Generally speaking, he’s done fabulous for us. Now he’s getting back to almost complete fitness, which is great.”
Those words from the man himself, referring primarily to Kieran Tierney’s recovery from a foot injury, have sent a wave of optimism through Paradise. After a frustrating recent defeat away to Dundee United that dented Celtic’s title aspirations, leaving them in third place and chasing leaders Hearts, this injection of positive squad news couldn’t have come at a better time. Let’s dive deep into what this means for the Bhoys, the context of the season so far, and why this Dundee clash at Dens Park is shaping up to be a genuine must-win.
### The Season So Far: Turbulence, Resilience, and the O’Neill Effect
Let’s not sugarcoat it — the 2025/26 campaign has tested Celtic supporters like few others in recent memory. Brendan Rodgers’ departure earlier in the season led to the short-lived appointment of Wilfried Nancy, whose brief tenure ended in disappointment after just a handful of games. Enter Martin O’Neill, the man who delivered so much success in his first spell at the club, including memorable trebles and European nights that still get sung about on the terraces.
O’Neill steadied the ship admirably in the early weeks, but recent results have brought fresh challenges. A shock 2-0 loss at Tannadice against Dundee United on March 22 left fans frustrated and the title race looking increasingly difficult. Celtic had opportunities but couldn’t find the clinical edge, and the result left them five points adrift of Hearts with games running out. Throw in a congested fixture list, injuries, and the emotional toll of the Old Firm battles, and it’s clear why every point now feels like gold dust.
Yet, through it all, O’Neill has maintained his trademark calm authority mixed with fiery motivation. He’s spoken openly about the need for character, better starts to matches, and grinding out results when the football isn’t flowing. And now, with the international break providing a brief respite, the focus shifts to reinforcements returning and a renewed push in the final stretch.
### The “Fabulous for Us” Boost: Kieran Tierney Nearing Full Fitness
The standout quote from O’Neill’s recent press duties centers on Kieran Tierney. The Scotland international and fan favorite has been a colossal presence since returning to Celtic, whether on loan or permanently. His work rate, defensive solidity, and ability to bomb forward have reminded many of the Tierney of old — the one who terrorized full-backs and won over the Celtic Park crowd.
O’Neill didn’t hold back in his praise:
“He’s just generally sore in every aspect, so we’ll see how he is tomorrow. But generally speaking, he has done so well, which is fabulous for us, and he is now getting back to almost complete fitness, which is great. That’s good.”
He went further, reflecting on Tierney’s journey: “There were times when I came back in the first spell that I thought, I wonder, will he ever get to the level that he was before? But he’s come roaring back here, honestly. But he’s been fantastic for us, really, really fantastic… I don’t want to put too fine a point on it, but I think he’s been colossal for us.”
This is music to Celtic ears. Tierney’s leadership and quality on the left flank have been vital in big games. His near-full fitness ahead of the Dundee trip means O’Neill has another high-class option to call upon in a fixture where defensive organization and attacking width will be key. Dens Park can be a tricky venue — tight pitch, passionate home support, and a Dundee side fighting for points to avoid the lower reaches of the table. Having Tierney available (or close to it) adds steel and experience to the backline.
### More Positive Squad Updates: Schmeichel, Engels, and the Returnees
The good news doesn’t stop with Tierney. O’Neill also provided an encouraging update on goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who has been dealing with an issue requiring an injection.
“Kasper trained today, first time since the injection, first time since he’s better. We’ll see how he is tomorrow as well. The young goalkeeper has done really fine for us as well.”
Schmeichel’s presence between the sticks brings composure and shot-stopping quality that has served Celtic well this season. With a couple of other “bumps and bruises” being managed across the squad, the overall picture is one of cautious optimism rather than crisis.
Even bigger excitement surrounds Belgian midfielder Arne Engels. The 22-year-old creative talent has been sidelined since picking up a thigh injury in mid-February against Livingston. He’s missed nine games during a period where Celtic could have done with his vision, passing range, and goal threat from midfield. O’Neill confirmed that Engels is targeting a return after the international break — potentially available for the Dundee clash on April 5.
O’Neill has been full of praise for how the young midfielder has handled the pressures of a big move, transfer speculation (including links to Nottingham Forest in January), and now injury. He’s urged Engels to add more goals to his game upon his return, hinting that the Belgian could be the “missing link” in Celtic’s attacking midfield. A fully fit Engels could provide the spark needed to break down stubborn defenses like Dundee’s.
With these returns, Celtic suddenly look a stronger, deeper squad heading into the business end of the season. It’s like welcoming back “new signings” without spending a penny — exactly the kind of boost every title-chasing team craves.
### Why Dundee Away Is a Must-Win: Context and Stakes
Make no mistake — the trip to Dens Park on Sunday, April 5 (kick-off 4:30pm) is massive. Dundee sit in mid-to-lower table territory, battling to secure their Premiership status. They’ll be motivated, organized, and ready to make life difficult for the visitors on a pitch that can sometimes favor the home side’s direct style.
For Celtic, it’s about momentum. After the international break, there’s no better way to restart than with three points. A win would close the gap on the teams above, restore confidence after the Dundee United setback, and set a positive tone for the remaining fixtures. O’Neill knows the importance of grinding out results in these “must-win” games. He’s spoken before about the need to “hang in there” during tough periods and the value of fan support traveling in numbers.
Historically, Celtic have a strong record against Dundee, but away days in the Premiership are never straightforward. The Bhoys will need to start brightly (a recurring theme in O’Neill’s recent comments), control possession, create clear chances, and show clinical finishing. Expect Daizen Maeda’s pace, Kyogo Furuhashi (or whoever leads the line), and the midfield creativity of players like Callum McGregor and the returning Engels to be central to the game plan.
A victory here wouldn’t just be about points — it would be a statement. It would show that despite setbacks, this Celtic side under O’Neill still has the character, quality, and desire to fight until the final whistle of the season.
### Looking Ahead: Title Hopes, Cup Ambitions, and the O’Neill Legacy
With around seven or eight league games remaining (depending on exact scheduling), Celtic’s destiny is still in their own hands to a degree. Other teams will drop points — they always do in a tight race. But consistency is now non-negotiable.
O’Neill’s experience in these situations is invaluable. He’s been there, done it, won the medals. His man-management, tactical nous, and ability to get players firing on all cylinders have been evident throughout his second spell. The “fabulous for us” updates on Tierney and the imminent return of Engels signal that the squad is coming together at the right moment.
Fans will be traveling to Dundee in big numbers, creating a sea of green and white. The atmosphere at Dens Park when Celtic visit is always special — and with renewed squad optimism, the Bhoys have every reason to believe they can return to Glasgow with all three points.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in football. Injuries can flare up, form can dip, and opponents can have their day. But the message from Martin O’Neill is clear: the cavalry is arriving, key men are nearing full fitness, and the fight goes on.
Celtic fans — this is the time to rally behind the team more than ever. Sing loud, travel in force, and believe. The season isn’t over yet, and with O’Neill at the helm delivering these positive updates, there’s genuine hope that the famous green and white hoops can still deliver silverware.
What do you make of the “fabulous for us” news? Will Tierney and Engels make the difference against Dundee? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s get behind the boys for what promises to be a huge afternoon at Dens Park.
Hail Hail!
*Come on the Celtic!*
