Out of Europe - Now, Celtic Enter a Pivotal Fortnight

Now their European journey is over, Celtic are now staring down a season-defining fortnight.

Come mid-March, they could be motoring in the title race with the momentum on their side and into the Scottish Cup last four.

Alternatively, they might find themselves still struggling to retain the championship and facing the prospect of a trophyless campaign.

The first stop is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a titanic league match, with Celtic behind Rangers by a couple of points after playing one game less, with Hearts six points ahead of the champions.

This is followed by a midweek trip to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then hosting high-flying and tough Motherwell.

A half-dozen of their next seven matches are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This much-maligned Celtic team is about to be stress-tested after a rollercoaster first two-thirds of the season.

"There will be a lot of twists and turns," stated a ex-Celtic player. "It wouldn't shock me if the league is decided on the final day. But they will have to do it over the next five or six games. You have to be relentless, 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 important.

The manager rotated eight of his starting line-up and some of the fringe players put in eye-catching displays to claim the club's maiden win in Germany.

Luke McCowan stroked home the decisive goal after under half a minute and played positively, while in the back four, Dane Murray stood out in a gutsy display.

Murray in particular made his case to start next to Liam Scales. One magnificent block stood out and he was confident when defending corners.

But the most discussed performance was saved for second-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a long-awaited shutout in half a dozen games.

The first-choice goalkeeper has been under intense scrutiny after a series of errors. The 26-year-old stepped in and made six saves, in a display labeled "perfect" by a former Celtic midfielder.

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," was the assessment. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. Based on that showing, I would be starting him. Give him a run in the team now."

The Celtic manager conceded that a number of individuals have given him "food for thought".

"[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room," the manager commented. "He's got a lot of talent."

'Pivotal' Rangers Test Lies Ahead

The additional positive 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 control possession from the first whistle to the last against every Scottish rival.

But this less robust side had looked increasingly vulnerable this year, often letting in more than one goal per game.

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

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

"You don't have to have most of the ball to win the game," noted an analyst. "You've got to work hard, defend well, get a bit of luck and have a good goalkeeper."

"Celtic have not played well this season, but they are still in contention [in the league]. They retain a chance, with a match to spare. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a critical one."