Martin O'Neill has pledged to resolve Celtic's striking positions, publicly backing captain Callum McGregor's assessment of the team's tactical issues. The manager made his comments after a 2-2 draw with Dundee United, a result that extends a run of just three wins in nine games across all competitions.

O'Neill confirmed he is in full agreement with his skipper's analysis. "I come in here every single week and I'm most of the time pretty buoyed by things," the Northern Irish boss said, while acknowledging the need for improvement. He explained that many players arrived late and did not have a full pre-season with the squad, which has contributed to the team's inconsistent form.

"I'm in total agreement with the captain," O'Neill stated.

Halftime reshuffle

Facing a 2-1 deficit at halftime against Dundee United on Wednesday, O'Neill acted decisively. He substituted Callum Osmand and Kasper Hogh, moved top scorer Camilo Duran into a central striking role, and introduced wingers Jota and Hasseim Hassan. The changes helped salvage a point but highlighted ongoing questions about the forward line's configuration. O'Neill described Osmand as a centre-forward who would ideally play off a stronger partner, indicating the area is a work in progress.

O'Neill explained.

Broader challenges

Celtic's struggles are not confined to domestic action. They have lost all three of their Europa League group stage matches this season, adding pressure. Despite this, they hold a four-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. They can extend that advantage to seven points if they beat Falkirk on Sunday. Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers recently described the team's play as "too random" following a Glasgow derby loss, echoing the internal call for greater cohesion that McGregor and now O'Neill have addressed.

The manager stressed that the group will improve as players get up to speed. He mentioned that new signing Jordan Lotomba is yet to feature and young defender Joel van den Berg has returned to training. With a key match at Falkirk this weekend, O'Neill's immediate task is to find a more effective formula in attack to turn possession and chances into decisive victories.

O'Neill said.

Read the full report at bbc.co.uk