Celtic’s Austrian Test: Belief, Doubt, and Opportunity
As the Champions League Play‑Off 2nd Leg against Austrian champions LASK approaches, Celtic — a club where things rarely run smoothly — find ourselves facing yet another potential injury concern. The news that Austin Trusty did not appear for training today raises questions. It could mean many things, of course, and nothing has been confirmed or denied at the time of writing, but if it is an injury, it’s another strange development. Our match against St. Johnstone was postponed precisely to avoid this kind of scenario. Thankfully, Liam Scales offers experienced cover if needed, but we badly need to find a solution to the seemingly constant flow of injuries that continue to appear at an increasingly alarming rate.
Most people who watched the first leg will admit it could easily have finished 3–3 or even 4–4. LASK carved us open several times, and only their lack of composure — combined with some merciful fortune — allowed Celtic to escape with a comfortable 3–0 victory. It’s a lead that should be unassailable, but I certainly don’t see any way we avoid conceding in Austria. Celtic fans know this territory too well: early goals conceded in away qualifiers have haunted multiple failed missions over the years.
LASK are a strong side and showed it repeatedly last week with pace, movement, and clever play in the forward areas. Had they been more clinical, we’d be travelling to Austria with barely a hope. Celtic, though, have built a far more dangerous forward line compared to last season — and it would be hard not to. Our exit to an inferior Kairat Almaty side at the same stage last year was a whimper, not a contest.
With Martin O’Neill at the helm, and considering he was in the dugout for rare away European victories against Feyenoord and Stuttgart, I feel we can face LASK with renewed belief. The new signings have bedded in well and look like genuine upgrades to the first team. We’ve yet to see Hassan truly stretch his legs, but from the glimpses so far he looks capable of torturing most wing‑backs with his unpredictable, skilful style. I firmly believe Celtic have already unearthed two new heroes this pre‑season in Høgh and Durán. I suspect Baur and Hassan will win our hearts too. With more signings surely imminent, I’m convinced this will be a blockbuster season — one where we simply blow the domestic competition away.
Progressing through this tricky tie in Austria would bring positive returns that enhance the club, reinvigorate the support, and signal the dawn of an exciting new era. That’s my hope. And whatever happens tomorrow, the transfer dealings must not stop.
