Martin O’Neill has pointed to Junior Adamu’s impressive work on the training ground as the main reason behind his return to the Celtic squad for the clash with St Mirren.
The Austrian forward had been omitted from the previous two matchday squads, slipping down the pecking order as competition for places intensified.
However, with Vaclav Cvancara struggling to maintain form in recent weeks, the opportunity arose for Adamu to rejoin the squad. Despite his inclusion, he remained an unused substitute during Sunday’s encounter.
O’Neill: Adamu earned his chance in training
Explaining the decision to reshuffle his squad, O’Neill revealed that rotation ahead of a key semi-final fixture played a role.
“We made a few changes with the semi-final in mind,” he said. “It wasn’t major rotation, but Junior has trained really, really strongly.
“At the end of the day, players have to compete and fight for their places in the team.”
Adamu, like fellow arrival Joel Mvuka, made the move to Celtic with ambitions of building momentum and cementing a regular spot ahead of the summer period. However, things haven’t quite gone to plan so far.
The striker made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Dundee, but has since struggled to replicate that form and establish himself as a consistent option.
Uncertainty remains over Schmeichel’s future
Meanwhile, questions continue to surround the situation of experienced goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is currently dealing with an ongoing injury issue.
O’Neill provided an update on the Danish international’s condition, stating that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential operation.
“He’s still contracted to the club,” O’Neill said. “There are medical decisions to be made about whether he needs surgery. I should know more by the middle of the week.
“I’ve been speaking with the medical staff, and he was set to see a specialist. He may already have done that, but we’re still waiting to hear if an operation is required.”
Schmeichel’s injury concerns have been evident for much of the season, and it was only after surgery became a real possibility that he stepped out of the starting lineup.
In his absence, Celtic have turned to alternative options in goal, though it remains unclear whether that situation will carry into next season.
