Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has declared striker Camilo Duran undroppable after a stuttering team performance in their latest league win. The reigning champions secured a sixth consecutive victory to start the season, beating St Johnstone 1-0 in Perth on Tuesday, but the display highlighted the Colombian's importance.
O'Neill made five changes to his starting lineup, resting Duran on the bench for 73 minutes. The decision backfired as Celtic's attack lacked its usual sharpness. Sam Johnstone, starting in goal ahead of Viljami Sinisalo, was forced into a key save to deny Joel Cotterill when the game was level. The breakthrough finally came from summer signing Mika Baur, who netted his first goal for the club. Duran was introduced with 17 minutes remaining, but the manager's experiment had already delivered a clear verdict.
Why is Camilo Duran so important?
Martin O'Neill's post-match comments to Daily Mail Sport left no doubt about Duran's status. "Duran has just been class," O'Neill said. "He looked tired in the game against St Mirren." The striker's relentless work rate is a key asset, with O'Neill noting he is second only to Daizen Maeda in pressing opponents. With six goals already this season, his output is vital, especially as Kasper Hogh's goal contributions have dipped after a strong start.
What were the other team news items?
The match saw several squad rotations and returns. Kieran Tierney made a late substitute appearance, and O'Neill confirmed both he and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who missed the matchday squad entirely, should be available for the upcoming Premier Sports Cup tie. That match is a semi-final against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, a fixture that will demand Celtic's strongest available side. Fans can track the latest team news and availability on the club's injuries page.
Where does this leave Celtic in the league?
The three points maintained Celtic's perfect start and their grip on top spot. They now sit first in the Premiership with 15 points from five wins, holding a three-point lead over Heart of Midlothian. Their defensive record remains strong, with just three goals conceded alongside 13 scored for a +10 goal difference. You can view the full standings for the latest table. The next league assignment is a home match against Motherwell, who are fifth, on December 26th. Before that, the focus shifts entirely to the cup clash at Ibrox, a critical test of their early-season momentum.
The team's schedule is packed, and you can see all upcoming matches on the official fixtures list. For now, O'Neill's selection dilemma for the forward line appears solved, with Camilo Duran firmly established as the first name on the teamsheet.
