Martin O’Neill Watches Celtic B Defeat Alongside Coaches in Dingwall Scouting Trip

Martin O’Neill was spotted alongside Celtic coaches Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus as the senior coaching trio watched the club’s B team suffer a 2-0 defeat against Ross County on Tuesday night.

The Celtic manager travelled to Dingwall for the KDM Evolution Trophy clash at the Global Energy Stadium, taking the opportunity to watch several youngsters with first-team connections in competitive action.

Among those involved for Celtic B were summer recruit Joël van den Berg and Chelsea loanees Landon Emenalo and Shumaira Mheuka.

Their involvement would have given O’Neill and his coaching staff an opportunity to assess the progress of three players who could feature in the club’s longer-term plans.

O’Neill keeps a close eye on Celtic youngsters

Van den Berg, who arrived from PSV in a reported £3.5million transfer, was named in midfield as he continued his efforts to build up match experience.

The Dutch youngster has been waiting for opportunities to gain regular competitive minutes, making Tuesday’s appearance another important step in his development.

Chelsea academy prospects Emenalo and Mheuka were also included in the starting line-up, allowing the Celtic coaching staff to watch them at close quarters.

All three players remained on the pitch until the 72nd minute, when they were replaced with Celtic B already two goals behind.

O’Neill’s decision to attend alongside Fotheringham and McManus was notable, particularly given the senior team’s busy schedule and the importance of Thursday’s Europa League fixture.

Ross County take control with first-half breakthrough

Celtic B struggled to contain their opponents during the opening stages, with Ross County taking the lead after just 12 minutes.

Kieran Phillips found the net from inside the penalty area after being set up by Ricco Diack, giving the hosts an early advantage.

County continued to threaten and came close to extending their lead before half-time, striking the woodwork as Celtic found it difficult to impose themselves on the contest.

The home side eventually doubled their advantage eight minutes into the second half.

Adam Emslie provided the delivery, with Phillips rising to head home his second goal of the evening in the 53rd minute.

Stuart Kettlewell’s side were now firmly in control, leaving Celtic B with a difficult task if they were to get back into the match.

Celtic B eliminated despite having more possession

Although Celtic enjoyed a greater share of possession, they struggled to turn that control into meaningful attacking opportunities.

The visitors registered only eight attempts on goal, compared with Ross County’s 22, highlighting the difference in attacking threat between the two teams.

Goalkeeper Nick Suman was also required to make several saves, including efforts from Rhys Dargie, as County continued to look dangerous.

Celtic B were unable to find a response and ultimately exited the KDM Evolution Trophy, while Ross County secured their place in the next round.

Celtic coaches turn attention to first-team challenge

O’Neill’s appearance in Dingwall comes during a demanding period for Celtic, with the senior side preparing for Thursday’s Europa League encounter against Beşiktaş.

The manager’s presence alongside Fotheringham and McManus demonstrated the coaching staff’s interest in monitoring the club’s younger players, particularly those already attracting attention because of their first-team connections.

Van den Berg, Emenalo and Mheuka were among the players given an opportunity to impress, although there has been no suggestion that any of them are immediately in line for promotion to O’Neill’s senior squad.

The visit nevertheless provided the manager and his assistants with a chance to assess their development firsthand.

With Celtic balancing domestic responsibilities and European commitments, keeping track of the next generation remains an important part of the club’s wider work.

Tuesday’s result was disappointing for the B team, but the presence of O’Neill, Fotheringham and McManus made the evening a notable occasion for the young players involved.