Martin O’Neill Returns to Celtic Dugout for League Cup Opener

Martin O’Neill is back in the Celtic dugout tonight, stepping out at Tannadice for a League Cup opener that already carries a hint of theatre.

A week on from a rampant 5-1 SPFL win at Kilmarnock, the Celtic manager has wasted no time freshening his side. Four changes cut through last weekend’s starting XI as he tweaks both shape and personnel for the tie against Dundee United.

Liam Scales returns to the back line, while Sebastian Tounekti and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are drafted in to add energy and craft higher up the pitch. Colby Donovan also comes into the side, with Arne Engels, Alistair Johnston, Kieran Tierney and Yang all dropping out from the team that started at Rugby Park.

There is intrigue on the bench too. New Bhoys Haissem and Hassan are both named among the substitutes, joined by Mika Baur, who completed his move to the champions during the week and is immediately involved in the matchday squad.

O’Neill’s Starting XI

CELTIC: Sinisalo, Donovan, Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Scales, McGregor, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Nygren, Durán, Tounekti, Høgh.

Subs: Doohan, McCowan, Hassan, Osmand, Baur, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Kick-off at Tannadice is at 5.45pm, with Celtic beginning another League Cup campaign under a familiar figure on the touchline and a slightly different look on the pitch.