Celtic vacate Europe with some pride as several players put hands up for Rangers amid Callum McGregor scare

A week on from being humbled 4-1 by the German outfit at Celtic Park, Martin O’Neill’s posted a surprise 1-0 win at the MHPArena. Most had been expecting another cosy victory for the side sitting fourth in the Bundesliga, but the visitors made this a competitive affair literally from the word go.

Luke McCowan’s opening goal 29 seconds in the match raised previously unfathomable hopes of a historic comeback for Celtic. O’Neill had made eight changes to his starting XI - clearly with an eye on Sunday’s Premiership game against Rangers at Ibrox - and with the shackles and pressure largely off their shoulders, they put in one of their most admirable performances of the season.

Ultimately it was not enough. The damage had been done a week ago in Glasgow when Celtic collapsed in the first leg. The 22-year wait for progressing from a European knock-out tie after Christmas goes on.

O’Neill was in charge of the last one, against Barcelona in the 2003/04 campaign. He also presided over a two-legged triumph against Stuttgart en route to the 2003 UEFA Cup final. We are a long way from those heady days for Celtic.

Perhaps being out of Europe will assist Celtic in their quest to retain their Scottish title. Sitting third behind leaders Hearts and Rangers, Sunday’s defeat by Hibs at a mutinous Parkhead has left so little margin for error in the league. In the cold light of day, two more fixtures to an already chock-a-block schedule may not have been welcomed when so much work needs to be done.

Celtic seemed to relish being away from the venomous environs of Celtic Park. Five of their next six matches are on the road, the first of which is in Govan. A similar show of fortitude will be required against Rangers if they are to emerge with a positive result.

O’Neill has been given a little food for thought by some of the reserves brought in for an unenviable fight in Stuttgart. With centre-half Auston Trusty suspended for the next three domestic matches, who partners Liam Scales in the centre of defence against Rangers will be debated right up until the team lines are submitted on Sunday morning.

Celtic chances for Murray and Sinisalo

Dane Murray was handed a rare start alongside Trusty, but the 22-year-old fared pretty well up against the threatening Stuttgart attack. O’Neill’s other options are Brentford loanee Benjamin Arthur, who has one substitute appearance to his name, or Kieran Tierney being moved in from left-back. While Arthur, 20, is understood to be highly regarded by his parent club, Murray has more experience and did his cause no harm whatsoever with this display in Germany.

There was also a change in goal. Viljami Sinisalo started in place of the much-criticised Kasper Schmeichel. O’Neill said pre-match that it was always the plan for the 24-year-old Finn to play ahead of the 39-year-old Dane, but after a mainly assured performance from Sinisalo and four very good saves, some will argue he should remain in post.

This was a rare recent clean sheet for Celtic and while Schmeichel’s experience and leadership qualities are clearly valued by O’Neill, keeping the ball out of the net remains the priority for a goalkeeper. Especially at Ibrox against Rangers. Sinisalo showed aptitude with some smart reflex saves from the type of shots Schmeichel has watched fly past him.

Further up the pitch, goalscorer midfielder McCowan also threw his hat into the ring. The midfielder broke beyond the forward line to receive Junior Adamu’s pass and he stroked the ball first time past Stuttgart goalkeeper Alex Nubel. McCowan played well throughout and was withdrawn early in the second half.

His goal spooked their hosts, who had to refocus sharply to avoid really letting Celtic back into the tie. The first half was a closely-fought affair, both sides attacking smartly. Wide forward Daizen Maeda’s pace was an outlet for the visitors; the hosts ploughed their left-hand side through their dangerous winger Jamie Lewelling. As it was, no further goals came in the first half.

Stuttgart largely dominated the second half but Sinisalo and Co stood firm. There were two disallowed goals owing to offsides. Chris Fuhrich’s effort was clear, but the second from Dennis Undav on 77 minutes was extremely close, given for a fractional infringement by Ermedin Demirovic in the build-up.

Celtic deserved such lady luck for their endeavours. The back four of Colby Donovan, Marcelo Saracchi, Trusty and Murray put in plenty of blocks and won their duels. In midfield, Callum McGregor played the whole game but will have given the Celtic fans cause for concern when he was left writhing on the pitch after a strong tackle. Fortunately for them, he recovered. Next to him, Reo Hatate put in a cultured display that has too often been lacking from the previously consistent Japanese this term.

Right on the 90-minute mark, substitute Sebastian Tounekti passed up a presentable chance to set up a barnstorming finish when he finished tamely from inside the penalty box after being set up by Kelechi Iheanacho. It was a reminder that when it really matters, Celtic have not had enough quality against reasonable European opponents this season.

Nevertheless, this was Celtic’s first-ever competitive win away to German opponents. This was a performance that may raise spirits among a fractured, fractious fanbase that Celtic can end their domestic campaign on a positive note. Now it’s on to Ibrox.