Martin O’Neill was quick to praise his Celtic players after a draining night in Italy that ended with a 2-2 draw against Bologna.
Celtic had taken control early in the match and looked comfortable before the contest shifted dramatically. The dismissal of Reo Hatate in the first half forced a change in approach and placed heavy demands on those who remained on the pitch.
Playing more than an hour with ten men, Celtic were pushed deep and asked to defend for long spells. Bologna poured forward after the break, turning the game into a test of resolve rather than possession.
In the aftermath, attention turned to the wider debate that has followed Celtic this season. Questions around character and resilience have surfaced at different points, and O’Neill used the moment to address those claims directly.
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “Well, it was breathless and I still am, but it was a magnificent effort by the team.
“They put heart and soul into it. I mean to play, what, 60 odd minutes, whatever it was, with 10 men, to show the sort of character that that supposedly is lacking in this team, I don’t see it. I don’t see it at all.
“I see heart and desire in big waves. And it’s really welcoming to see. However we got a goal. Might have been bad play by them, but we’ve got a goal.
“We press them, we press them, we press them. We’re playing some delightful stuff.
“The sending off, of course, changes the course of the game in many aspects, and it’s a long way to go.
“You know, as I said 60-odd minutes there with 10 men, but again, the spirit of the side was terrific, really, really terrific tonight, and the crowd helped us the whole way through.”
The performance in Bologna asked Celtic to show qualities that do not always show up in statistics. Players had to defend space, block shots, and run without the ball for long periods as the pressure grew.
The physical effort was clear by the final stages of the match. Bodies were tiring, legs were heavy, but the work continued as Celtic tried to protect a result that remained within reach.
For O’Neill, the display stood as a response to criticism that has followed the squad at points this season. Rather than retreat, he leaned into the effort shown on the pitch and the way players handled adversity.
The role of the travelling support was also clear throughout the night. Even as Bologna pressed late on, noise from the away end carried, offering encouragement during moments when the game threatened to slip away.
Celtic’s ability to stay competitive despite the setback keeps their European hopes alive. The draw moves them onto eight points, with the final league-phase match still to come.
Beyond the table, the performance may carry weight into the days ahead. European nights like this can shape belief and influence how a group views itself when faced with pressure.
Attention now turns quickly to domestic matters. A demanding league fixture awaits, and recovery will be a priority after such a taxing night.
For a squad that has faced questions about its make-up, the night in Bologna offered a clear answer. It was not perfect, but it was committed, and it was honest.
As the season continues, Celtic will be judged on results and performances alike. In Italy, they showed that when circumstances turn against them, they are still willing to fight for each other and for the result.
