Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has issued a brutally honest verdict on one of the club’s most beloved players, revealing that the fan favourite has failed to impress him during recent training sessions.

The revelation has sent ripples through the Celtic fan base, with many trying to figure out who O’Neill might be referring to. His comments come at a time when he has been demanding more intensity and discipline from his players as he continues to mould the team in his image.

O’Neill, who is well known for his strict approach and high expectations, didn’t mince words when asked about training performances this week. While acknowledging the unnamed player’s character and standing among supporters, the Northern Irishman made it clear that reputation alone would not guarantee anyone a place in his starting lineup.

“He’s a great lad, make no mistake about that,” O’Neill said. “The supporters absolutely love him, and he brings great energy to the dressing room. But when it comes to training when it comes to intensity, concentration, and consistency he doesn’t stand out the way someone of his quality should. That’s just the truth.”

The Celtic boss has been open about his plans to create a side built on hard work and hunger, rather than relying on established names or past achievements. Since returning to the Parkhead hot seat, O’Neill has been vocal about wanting every player to earn his place, regardless of experience or status.

“It’s not about who’s popular or who sells shirts,” he added. “It’s about who performs. Every single player here has to show me something every day at Lennoxtown. If you’re not standing out in training, you can’t expect to stand out on matchday.”

While O’Neill refused to name the player in question, supporters have already begun speculating online. Some believe he could be referring to a senior figure who has struggled for form under the new regime, while others suspect it might be a homegrown talent whose development has stalled. Either way, the manager’s comments have made one thing clear no one at Celtic is untouchable.

The timing of O’Neill’s remarks is also telling. Celtic have enjoyed a solid start to the domestic campaign but have looked inconsistent in Europe, where the manager has repeatedly stressed the need for greater focus and discipline. Those close to the club suggest that O’Neill has been unimpressed with certain players’ attitude in training, particularly when it comes to maintaining tempo and tactical shape.

When you’re part of a club like Celtic, you can’t just rely on talent,” O’Neill continued. “You’ve got to work harder than anyone else. The fans deserve that, and so does the badge. I want players who are relentless players who make every session count.”

The veteran coach’s comments are reminiscent of his first spell at Celtic, when he managed big personalities with firmness but fairness. Stars like Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, and Neil Lennon all thrived under his demanding leadership because they matched talent with effort. O’Neill’s message now seems to be aimed at restoring that same culture of accountability.

Behind the scenes, sources say O’Neill has been particularly focused on improving training ground standards. Players have been pushed to deliver more intensity, with sessions reportedly running longer and featuring stricter tactical drills. Those unable to adapt could find themselves out of favour, regardless of how popular they are with the fans.

“I’ve seen players win over supporters before,” O’Neill said. “But it’s what you do every day that earns respect from your teammates and the coaching staff. I want players who make it impossible for me to leave them out. That’s how we build a winning team.”

The remarks are likely to serve as both a warning and motivation for the Celtic squad. For the unnamed player, it’s a wake-up call one that could define his future at the club. If he responds positively, it could spark a resurgence in form. If not, he could find himself on the fringes as O’Neill looks to promote those who have impressed in training.

Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media to discuss the situation. Some praised O’Neill’s honesty, saying it was refreshing to see a manager refuse to play favourites. Others expressed concern, suggesting that public criticism might unsettle the dressing room. But for O’Neill, it seems like a calculated statement designed to drive home his message of merit and hard work.

“Everyone starts from zero with me,” he concluded. “What you did last season doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is what you do now. I want to see who’s ready to fight for this club every single day.”

With those words, Martin O’Neill has made his expectations unmistakably clear. In his Celtic, there is no room for comfort zones, complacency, or reputational immunity. Every player must earn the right to wear the green and white hoops not through popularity, but through performance.

And as the Hoops prepare for another crucial run of fixtures, all eyes will be on who responds to the manager’s challenge and who fades into the background.