O’Neill defiant in defeat however Celtic’s ‘flat-track bullies’ fail one other massive check

Although Celtic conceded 4, the scoreline didn’t flatter Benfica. The Portuguese facet created possibilities aplenty in each halves and hit the woodwork twice along with their 4 targets.

Celtic’s lack of depth in defence was uncovered as soon as once more within the absence of the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers as Gianluca Prestianni and Duran tormented the guests’ again 4.

However, it’s in ahead areas the place O’Neill maybe has his greatest headache.

Club document signing Kasper Hogh was hooked at half-time and has now failed to attain in 10 of his first 11 outings since becoming a member of from Bodo/Glimt in the summertime.

Duran shifted inside for the second half and posed much more of a risk than his Danish team-mate.

“If I’m a artistic midfield participant and I’ve obtained Duran and Hogh to choose from, I’m taking Duran each day of the week,” former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan stated.

“He seems to be to get off the facet of defenders, in case you put a ball within the space, he is extra more likely to be alive to it.

“Hogh simply is not firing on all cylinders. I can take that if he is doing the opposite facet of the sport so much higher than he’s.

“You can see why Martin O’Neill made the substitution at half-time and there is not any doubt Celtic appeared a lot better going ahead.”

O’Neill admitted he sees Duran as being higher by the center, when requested about his Colombian talisman post-match, however given Hogh’s price ticket he won’t be inclined to drag him out of the firing line simply but.

“[Duran] has performed vast at his earlier golf equipment,” O’Neill stated. “But I personally really feel his greatest place is thru the center.

“It’s now a matter of us attempting to suit him in and I feel we are able to do this. It’s an actual battle for locations now.”