Celtic's recent upturn in form has been credited to a lively contribution from Camilo Duran and team-mate Osmand, prompting fresh debate about the club's best starting eleven. Manager Martin O'Neill has previously admitted uncertainty over his preferred line-up, but Duran's displays have made a strong case for him to be the first-choice option through the middle.
Form and selection
O'Neill's public remarks about not having a settled side reflected a period of experimentation and rotation. With Duran increasingly prominent in central areas, the manager now faces a clearer selection dilemma. The combination with Osmand has been singled out as a spark that has lifted the team, shifting the conversation away from merely testing personnel to stacking the midfield in a way that sustains that momentum.
Where that leaves Hogh
Hogh, a player previously involved in the central role, finds his position under renewed scrutiny. The options for the manager include keeping Hogh in the squad as a rotation or impact player, adapting his role elsewhere on the pitch, or altering the formation to accommodate multiple in-form players. Any decision will be influenced by training form, fitness, and tactical requirements for upcoming matches.
Looking ahead
O'Neill's next selections will be watched closely by supporters and pundits alike, as the manager balances immediate results with long-term squad management. If Duran and Osmand continue to influence matches, their standing in the team is likely to solidify, forcing other midfield contenders such as Hogh to respond. How O'Neill navigates those choices will shape Celtic's midfield identity as the season progresses.