Celtic: Martin O’Neill eases Callum McGregor’s injury concerns

Although Celtic progressed to the semi-finals of the cup on penalties, McGregor’s impact was lost as O’Neill’s side registered just one shot in 120 minutes.

Luke McCowan started as a midfielder with Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren joining him in a midfield three at Ibrox, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Paulo Bernardo came off the bench.

“He’s been a great leader both in the locker room and on the field, but that’s something we have to address,” O’Neill said of his attempt to replace McGregor. “We’ll have to try to find some better attacking options.”

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel trained this week after receiving a shoulder injection ahead of the trip to Rangers, but O’Neill was unsure if the Dane would return to the matchday squad.

“Casper is much better. He trained today and couldn’t feel his shoulder. I’ll take a look and see.” [if he’ll be in the squad]”.

O’Neill is also optimistic that the Green Brigade will accept the terms offered to them and return to Celtic Park at the start of the season.

Earlier this week, Celtic said they were awaiting a response from the Green Brigade regarding safety and security measures – as required by the police and Glasgow City Council’s Safety Advisory Group – to allow the club to “invite the re-entry” of the banned fan group into Celtic Park.

“It would be great if that were the case,” O’Neill said. “We’re running out of home games now.

“The quicker it is resolved, it will be great. The club is moving in the same direction, and that’s what we want to do.”