Celtic’s O’Neill seeks ‘utopia’ after Euro setback

Martin O’Neill says it would be “utopia” to get all at Celtic going “in the one direction” after Thursday’s European disappointment.

Celtic lost 4-1 at home to Stuttgart in the Europa League knockout play-off first leg and face a tall order to progress by scoring at least three times in next Thursday’s return leg in Germany.

O’Neill, in his second spell as Celtic boss this season and third tenure at the club overall, will prepare his team for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership visit of Hibernian (15:00 GMT).

Celtic start the weekend third in the Premiership, a point off Rangers and three behind Hearts but have a game in hand over the top two. Hearts host Falkirk on Saturday (15:00) and Rangers visit Livingston on Sunday (15:00).

“Tonight is gone and so Sunday is the next big thing. Naturally, a very, very strong game, strong game.

“We played them earlier in my time. They caused us all sorts of problems in the game, all sorts of problems. They played exceptionally well for long periods, for long periods against Hearts as well too. We need to be up for that challenge.”

Meanwhile, Uefa’s disciplinary body will review reports from officials before deciding if any disciplinary action will be taken after Thursday’s game was held up for more than three minutes when tennis balls were thrown on to the Celtic Park pitch.

After the match, O’Neill criticised the throwing of the tennis balls.