European Exit Complete - Now, Celtic Face a Pivotal Two-Week Period

Now their European journey is over, Celtic now face a campaign-altering fortnight.

Come mid-March, they might be cruising in the league with the wind at their backs and through to the Scottish Cup last four.

Or, they might find themselves further toiling to retain the championship and facing the prospect of a trophyless campaign.

The first stop is Ibrox on Sunday for a huge league match, with Celtic behind Rangers by a couple of points having played one match fewer, with Hearts six points ahead of the title holders.

Then it is a journey in midweek to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then welcoming in-form and formidable Motherwell.

Six of their next seven fixtures are away from Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic group is set to be put under severe pressure after a rollercoaster opening months of the season.

"We can expect a lot of twists and turns," stated a former Celtic defender. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league goes to the final day. But they must prove themselves over the coming handful of games. You have to be utterly consistent, otherwise they will not win the trophies."

Manager Faces Selection 'Conundrum'

Although the victory over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's quest to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, it could still turn out to be significant.

The manager changed eight of his starting line-up and some of the squad members delivered eye-catching displays to secure the club's first ever win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the winner after just 28 seconds and was a positive influence, while in the back four, Dane Murray excelled in a gutsy performance.

Murray in particular stated his claim to start alongside Liam Scales. A superb defensive intervention was notable and he was assured when defending corners.

But the most discussed performance was delivered by back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a first Celtic clean sheet in six matches.

The first-choice goalkeeper has been under heavy criticism after a series of errors. The 26-year-old was called upon and made several crucial stops, in a display described as "flawless" by a club legend.

A former Celtic goalkeeper believes Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

"He had some excellent saves and looked composed when he had the ball and read the game well," he said. "The manager has a tough call to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be giving him the nod. Give him a run in the team now."

The Celtic manager agreed that a number of individuals have given him "plenty to consider".

"[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, exceptionally. He's the talk all round the dressing room," the manager said. "He's got a lot of talent."

'Critical' Rangers Test Awaits

The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they showed they can grind out a victory.

Over the years, Celtic have pitched up and naturally looked to dominate the ball from the first whistle to the last against every Scottish rival.

But this more fragile side had looked more and more susceptible in recent times, regularly conceding more than one goal per game.

Having not won at Ibrox in their last four visits and considering Rangers have won their past 10 home matches, a demonstration of toughness in Germany was timely.

Could Celtic take a somewhat more cautious approach? Right now, it is all about winning.

"You don't need to have all the possession to win the game," observed an pundit. "You've got to work hard, be solid at the back, get a bit of luck and have a good goalkeeper."

"Celtic have struggled for form this season, but they are hanging in there [in the league]. They retain a chance, with a match to spare. The players will pick up great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a critical one."