Falkirk 0, Celtic 1 - 14th January, 2026

Another lesson in performance, variance, outcomes - ahhh furget it...........

A valuable three points, and really, that’s all that probably matters (unless you care about future matches).

The level of inconsistency from many players must be infuriating for Martin O’Neill, as it has been for those that preceded him.

Credit, as is usually appropriate, must go to John McGlynn and his Falkirk side.

After marching through two divisions, and showing faith in the same players, he has adapted his side who are now comfortably in the top six.

The 64 year old McGlynn has learned well from the 67 year old trend setter in man to man pressing off the ball Gian Piero Gasperini.

His Falkirk side nullified Celtic’s un-press-resistant midfield, and double teamed Celtic’s wingers to great effect. It wouldn’t have mattered which striker you had under those conditions, and Celtic tried three.

Still, the Bairns are the only team in the league smaller and less physical than Celtic, and the poacher Benjamin Nygren was able to score inside the six yard box without jumping, from a corner.

Kasper Schmeichel remarkably turned back into a stopper of shots. Perhaps O’Neill is a magician after all.

Bhoy of the Match reflects the stoic nature required under difficult circumstances.

This squad needs urgent quality help.