Wilfred Nancy Didn’t Inherit a Fully Healthy Celtic Squad, Says Martin O’Neill, Backing Him Despite Shock Omissions and Highlighting January Transfer Window as Key to Rebuild

Martin O’Neill has thrown his weight behind Wilfred Nancy following criticism of Celtic’s team selection in yesterday’s match, stressing that the manager should not be judged too harshly as the squad has been hampered by injuries and is still adapting to a new playing philosophy.

The former Celtic boss, who enjoyed significant domestic success during his time in charge, spoke out after the latest fixture, where several senior players were unavailable. These absences limited Nancy’s options and prompted debate among fans and pundits about the balance and experience of the starting XI.

> “Wilfred Nancy didn’t inherit a perfect Celtic squad,” O’Neill said. “Important players were unavailable through injury, and that matters when you’re trying to get a team playing your way. He’s working with what he has, and January will be an important opportunity to build a squad that reflects his ideas.”

O’Neill acknowledged that some of Nancy’s selection decisions had surprised observers, but he stressed that debating lineups should not be confused with doubting the manager’s overall ability.

“You can debate selections  that’s part of football but questioning selections isn’t the same as questioning the manager,” O’Neill said. “Wilfred Nancy has been appointed to lead Celtic forward, and he needs support to implement his vision.”

Nancy, who is still early into his tenure, defended his choices after the match, explaining that team selection is based on collective balance and the broader needs of the squad.

“I stand by my choices. We win together and lose together. These decisions are made with the collective in mind. The players who didn’t feature yesterday will have their chances,” Nancy said.

The match highlighted the impact of missing players currently sidelined due to injury. Their absence forced Nancy to make adjustments, which some fans argued disrupted the rhythm and cohesion of the side. Supporters debated whether a more experienced selection could have produced a better performance, while others agreed with O’Neill that injuries had limited the manager’s options.

Social media reactions were divided, reflecting a wider split among supporters. Some criticised Nancy for fielding a less experienced lineup, questioning whether leadership and attacking threat had been sacrificed. Others defended him, citing the injury situation and the need to manage players carefully during a congested period of fixtures.

“Celtic is a results-driven club, but progress takes time,” O’Neill added. “You need stability, patience, and the chance to make the squad your own. That’s what Wilfred Nancy is trying to do.”

Analysts also noted that Nancy’s approach so far  including rotation of players and tactical adjustments  reflects a long-term strategy. Managing player workloads, integrating injured players back into the squad, and adjusting formations are part of a deliberate plan rather than a reactive approach.

“A manager can’t fix everything immediately,” O’Neill said. “The key is to have a plan and stick to it, even when the results aren’t perfect. Wilfred Nancy is taking responsibility, making tough decisions, and building a team that can compete not just now, but in the future.”

A major part of O’Neill’s defence of Nancy centres on the January transfer window. He believes it will provide the manager with an opportunity to strengthen the squad, adding players who better fit his tactical system and can help address areas of weakness exposed during recent matches.

“January is when a manager can start bringing in players who really fit his system. It won’t fix everything overnight, but it gives him the tools to build something long-term and competitive,” O’Neill said.

Nancy’s first months have been marked by experimentation, adaptation, and rotation. He has been forced to manage a squad with gaps caused by injury while attempting to instil his tactical philosophy. O’Neill argued that this context is vital when judging both results and selection decisions.

“Managers are judged on results but also on the resources they have,” O’Neill said. “Wilfred Nancy is taking responsibility and making tough decisions. Given the circumstances, he deserves backing.”

Supporters and pundits have been quick to scrutinise individual results, but O’Neill emphasised that the bigger picture is equally important. He highlighted that a manager’s authority and the opportunity to shape a squad are essential ingredients for long-term success, particularly at a club with Celtic’s stature and expectations.

“Every manager faces criticism,” O’Neill said. “But it is important to protect their authority while they implement their ideas. Wilfred Nancy has a clear plan, and the club and fans need to give him the chance to put it into practice.”

Looking ahead, attention will now turn to how Nancy integrates returning players and uses the January window to strengthen the squad for both domestic and European challenges. The manager’s ability to manage player fitness, blend new signings, and maintain tactical consistency will be under close scrutiny.

“This is a club that demands success,” O’Neill concluded. “Wilfred Nancy is making sure he builds the right foundations for that success. He deserves time, patience, and the backing of everyone connected with Celtic.”

The debate over selection and injuries is likely to continue, but O’Neill’s backing provides clarity: while criticism of individual decisions is part of modern football, supporting the manager’s authority and long-term project is vital for Celtic’s future ambitions.

“Wilfred Nancy is taking responsibility, making tough decisions, and will have the tools to build a team that truly represents his

philosophy. That’s what Celtic needs right now,” O’Neill said.