Celtic Aim for Champions League Phase Against LASK in Austria
Celtic head to Austria on Tuesday night with the scoreline – and the stakes – already tilted heavily in their favour. A 3-0 first-leg win over LASK at a crackling Parkhead has one foot planted firmly in the UEFA Champions League league phase, yet this tie is not being treated as a procession.
LASK have turned their home ground into a fortress and are still basking in the glow of a first Austrian Bundesliga title in 61 years. Celtic know exactly what that kind of momentum looks like. They also know how quickly a European night can turn if you start believing your own headlines.
Martin O’Neill’s side, reshaped with smarter recruitment after last season’s lessons, travel with authority and a clear identity. Quality over quantity has been the mantra, and a blistering start across competitions means they arrive in Linz as strong favourites, even if the setting is hostile and the opposition buoyant.
Sinisalo’s stage
Between the posts, Viljami Sinisalo has quietly turned an opportunity into a statement. Promoted to first choice after Kasper Schmeichel’s injury earlier this year, the Finnish keeper has looked assured rather than overawed. He will be asked to show that same steel again in Austria, where an early LASK goal would change the mood in an instant.
Celtic are still scanning the market for another goalkeeper, but for now this is Sinisalo’s shirt, and nights like this can cement a career.
Back four with bite
At right-back, Colby Donovan is expected to keep his place. With Alistair Johnston sidelined until October, the American has stepped in with a mix of aggression and composure that O’Neill trusts. His duel with LASK’s wide players could dictate how often Celtic are forced onto the back foot.
In the centre, the USMNT pairing of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty has given Celtic a rugged spine. They were dominant in the first leg and will be tasked with strangling any hope of an Austrian comeback. No frills, no drama – just clearances, interceptions and authority.
On the left, Kieran Tierney remains untouchable. His blend of defensive timing and attacking drive gives Celtic an extra gear in transition. When he surges forward, the entire shape of the game tilts. Behind him, Liam Scales offers cover both at centre-half and left-back, a useful safety net if O’Neill needs to adjust on the fly.
Engine room with a new conductor
The midfield has a slightly new look, but the rhythm still runs through Callum McGregor. The captain is set to form a double pivot with new signing Mika Baur, brought in as the successor to Arne Engels. Baur, operating from deep, will be asked to knit play, break lines and keep Celtic calm if LASK come flying out of the blocks.
From the bench, O’Neill has the luxury of changing the texture of the game. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can add thrust and experience between the lines, Luke McCowan offers energy and direct running, while Reo Hatate brings guile and quick combinations. If the tie opens up in the second half, those three could turn control into a statement.
Wide threats and selfless running
On the flanks, Benjamin Nygren is the man in form. He both scored and assisted in the first leg, tormenting LASK at Celtic Park. His confidence is obvious, and when he drifts into pockets or attacks the box, defenders follow him at their peril.
On the opposite side, Yang Hyun-jun is expected to get the nod again. The South Korean winger still has work to do on his finishing and final ball, but his relentless pressing, work rate and willingness to chase lost causes make him invaluable to O’Neill’s high-tempo approach. He sets a tone the rest of the press can follow.
Sebastian Tounekti, James Forrest and big-money arrival Haissem Hassan should all be among the substitutes, offering a variety of wing options if Celtic need fresh legs or a different type of dribbler late on.
Duran’s sacrifice, Høgh’s spotlight
Up front, the story is about sacrifice and reward. Camilo Duran prefers to live as a classic No 9, but he has shifted his role to accommodate Kasper Høgh through the middle. The change has not blunted him. Duran struck twice in the first leg, thriving in the spaces created by Høgh’s movement and LASK’s desperation.
That selflessness has sharpened Celtic’s attack. Høgh occupies centre-backs, Duran darts into gaps, and the wide men flood the box. It’s a front line built to punish mistakes and stretch tired legs.
Celtic know the job is not finished. A 3-0 lead offers comfort, not a guarantee. But if O’Neill’s predicted XI performs with the same edge and clarity they showed in Glasgow, the next stop is the Champions League league phase – and another round of investment to push this squad even higher.
