“Really Good”- Martin O’Neill Raves Over Engels Return

Arne Engels made his return from the bench against St Mirren, and Martin O’Neill was quick to highlight the role he played in the closing stages.

The midfielder came on for Benjamin Nygren as Celtic looked to regain some control. With Callum McGregor later going off, Engels dropped deeper and took up a holding role in midfield.

At that point in the game, Celtic were starting to lose their grip. The tempo had dropped, and St Mirren were pushing forward more often. It became less about attacking and more about holding shape.

That is where Engels’ introduction helped. He did not try to force things. Instead, he focused on positioning and keeping the ball moving when it came his way.

O’Neill said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “That was good, that was really, really good. I thought he’d come on and I thought he did really well, really fine.

“Gave us a little bit of stability. Not that he was making lung bursting runs but he was just getting himself into it. So that was good considering he’s been out for so long.

“Yeah, I think that he is a strong lad. You can see why teams are interested in signing him. Particularly the offer from Nottingham Forest just at the end of the transfer window.

“So he’s got a lot to offer and he’s got plenty to look forward to I think as well.

“Certainly internationally as well, trying to break into a very strong Belgium side. But overall I’m just delighted to see him back.”

Engels’ role was simple but effective. He sat in front of the defence and gave Celtic a better shape when St Mirren were trying to build attacks.

His positioning helped close gaps that had started to open in midfield. That allowed Celtic to deal with the final stages without losing further control.

After time out, that kind of performance matters. It is not about standout moments. It is about settling into the game and doing the basics well.

With McGregor coming off, that role becomes even more important. Celtic need someone to take responsibility in that area of the pitch when the game becomes stretched.

O’Neill’s comments show that trust. Engels may not have changed the game going forward, but he helped Celtic get through it.

With a semi-final against the same side coming up, that option in midfield could be used again.