Celtic head into the weekend with questions still hanging over the middle of the park, and Martin O’Neill has not yet settled on a combination he fully trusts.
There have been issues right across the squad this season.
Kasper Schmeichel’s injury opened the door for Viljami Sinisalo, the right-back area has rarely been settled, and there is still no out-and-out number nine dragging the side over the line.
But midfield is where the uncertainty feels obvious.
There have been four different trios in the last five matches. Callum McGregor’s injury forced some of that, but it does not tell the full story.
Even with the captain expected to start the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren, the question remains over who lines up alongside him.
Benjamin Nygren’s numbers are hard to ignore. 19 goals and eight assists is a return few in the squad can match.
Yet his overall play has dipped in recent weeks. The sharpness is not quite there, and it has slowed Celtic at times in possession.
He started centrally alongside McGregor and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the recent win over St Mirren, but that trio did not fully convince.
Oxlade-Chamberlain took his goal well after 15 minutes and continues to build match fitness. There is quality there, no doubt.
But the second half told a different story.
St Mirren grew into the game at Celtic Park, found space in midfield, and began to dictate the tempo. Celtic were pushed back far too easily and lost too many central duels.
That lack of balance will not have gone unnoticed.
Arne Engels’ return offers an alternative. The Belgian came off the bench after his two-month injury spell and immediately added a bit more structure.
He may not be ready to start at Hampden, but his presence changes the conversation. He brings legs, discipline, and a better balance between attack and defence.
Reo Hatate’s situation is less clear.
He came on for McGregor at the weekend but had been left on the bench the week before at Dundee. For a player of his quality, that says plenty.
When he is on form, he changes games. Right now, he looks short of the energy required.
That is the concern at this stage of the season. There is no room for passengers.
O’Neill has decisions to make. He can stick with Nygren and Oxlade-Chamberlain, hoping their quality carries the day. He can bring Engels straight back in for control. Or he can reshuffle again and risk further disruption.
St Mirren have already shown they are not coming to sit in. If Celtic get the midfield wrong, they may be in for further Hampden heartache.
