Dane Murray has played himself into Celtic team for Ibrox

Dane Murray was been handed a rare opportunity in Thursday night’s clash in Stuttgart, and he grabbed it with both hands as he put in an impressive display, and in doing so boosted his chances massively of being named in Martin O’Neill’s starting XI for Sunday’s powder keg fixture at Ibrox…

Celtic FC line-up. UEFA Europa League 2025 26 Knockout Play off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany Photo by Harry Langer DeFodi Images

Dane has endured some major setbacks in his short Celtic career, mainly through injury, and his confidence was shot to pieces after a woeful performance against Hearts at Tyncastle last October, a game which proved to be Brendan Rodgers last game in charge.

The 22 year old has been on the fringes of the team since that day, but has been given something of a reprieve by Martin O’Neill, albeit due to Auston Trusty’s suspension forcing his hand. It’s fair to say that Dane Murray would not exactly be a player who would be first pick in the eyes of the supporters before Thursday night in Stuttgart. That would be a fair comment to make as he hasn’t exactly filled us all with great confidence especially after his Tynecastle mishaps.

Dane Murray of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier Sports League Cup match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

This is a huge game, our biggest of the campaign to date, that goes without saying. Some will say Dane is too raw and inexperienced, but the North Lanarkshire lad has been at the club long enough to know the importance of such a fixture. He knows fine well what’s at stake.

Martin O’Neill has a few other options going into the game, such as on loan Brentford youngster Benjamin Arthur, or even Kieran Tierney who is also comfortable playing at centre back.

But credit to young Dane has taken his chance well, and played himself into Martin’s thoughts for the vital showdown over at Hatebrox. Naturally there will be reservations over his ability to perform and cope, but to his credit he more than proved his credentials at the home of the side who currently sit fourth place in the Bundesliga.

Players of VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC anticipate a corner kick during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

VfK Stuggart are a far better side than the outfit we’ll face tomorrow. If Celtic can cope with the hateful atmosphere we should get a result and if Dane Murray can replicate his own performance from Germany on Thursday night we’ll all be singing his praises when the dust settles on a long overdue Beautiful Sunday.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order

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