Celtic fans left worried after club’s latest social media post

Celtic supporters have been given another reason to worry after the club revealed a brutal October fixture schedule that could put even more pressure on Martin O’Neill.

The Hoops took to social media to publish their upcoming fixtures, and the reaction from supporters has been one of concern rather than excitement.

Celtic will not return to competitive action until October 11, when they travel to Fir Park to face Motherwell.

That match begins a six-game month for the Hoops, with a demanding European trip to Portugal waiting just days later.

The fixture list comes at a particularly difficult time for O’Neill and his players. Celtic went into the international break on the back of three consecutive defeats, suffering a 3-0 League Cup exit against Rangers at Ibrox before losing 3-1 to Ferencváros in their Europa League opener.

The misery continued in the following Old Firm clash, with Rangers claiming a 1-0 victory at Celtic Park.

It was not simply the results that caused concern. Celtic’s performances raised serious questions about their organisation, approach and identity, with O’Neill unable to find a response despite changing his system for the second defeat to Rangers.

The Celtic boss subsequently admitted that he would use the international break to reflect on his position.

The club has publicly backed O’Neill in its latest financial report, but the wording has left the manager’s future seemingly dependent on his own decision over whether to continue.

And whatever happens in the dugout, the fixture list offers little room for Celtic to ease themselves back into action.

After Motherwell, Celtic head for Lisbon on October 15 to take on Benfica in their second Europa League league-phase fixture.

That is a particularly daunting assignment given Benfica’s impressive start to the competition. The Portuguese giants opened their European campaign with a 2-0 victory over AC Milan at San Siro and currently sit second in the domestic league after seven matches.

Celtic’s final October fixture comes on Wednesday, October 28, when Dundee United visit Parkhead.

The Hoops have already beaten Jim Goodwin’s side this season, cruising to a 4-0 victory at Tannadice in the League Cup second round.

However, supporters will know that past results count for little if Celtic’s current problems remain unresolved.

The international break has offered O’Neill and his players some valuable breathing space after a disastrous run, but the return to club football promises to bring the pressure straight back.

With six fixtures packed into October, Celtic will need a significant improvement in both performances and results if they are to prevent the concerns surrounding the team from growing even further.

For now, fans can watch the international action and enjoy a brief respite.

But October is already looming — and judging by the reaction to the fixture list, Celtic supporters are far from relaxed about what is coming next.