Brendan Rodgers may have another Treble in his sights at Celtic. After Saturday’s 2-1 Scottish Cup victory over Kilmarnock, the prospect of replicating his previous clean sweep of domestic trophies feels increasingly realistic.
With the League Cup already secured and a commanding lead over Rangers in the Premiership, Rodgers’ side are in prime position for another historic campaign. While there’s still a long way to go, the signs are encouraging for the Celtic faithful.
One man who knows the significance of a Treble is Martin O’Neill, a former Celtic manager with a decorated history at the club.
O’Neill, who provided punditry for Premier Sports during the Kilmarnock match, weighed in on Rodgers’ approach and the team’s chances.
Rodgers Fields Strong XI Against Kilmarnock
Ahead of Celtic’s Champions League clash with Young Boys, Rodgers opted for a strong starting XI, including Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn on the flanks. The decision paid off, as Maeda scored the winner after Callum McGregor’s first-half goal had given Celtic the lead.
While some questioned whether Rodgers should have rested key players for the midweek fixture, O’Neill understood the rationale.
“If you are going to rest somebody, you might as well rest them during a league game where you are so far clear,” said O’Neill on Premier Sports.
“I mentioned earlier about being in contention, what am I talking about? It’s a runaway race (in the league).”
Rodgers’ focus on maintaining momentum in the cup was evident. O’Neill noted that Rodgers likely views the league as an opportunity to rotate players while ensuring Celtic remains competitive in knockout competitions.
Injuries and Squad Depth
Celtic’s depth has been tested this season, particularly in the wide areas. The return of Maeda and Kuhn has bolstered the squad, though James Forrest remains sidelined.
Additionally, the January transfer window could provide reinforcements, with rumors swirling about a possible return for Kieran Tierney.
These factors, coupled with Celtic’s dominance in the league, position the club well for a strong push in all competitions.
O’Neill on Celtic’s Treble Ambitions
O’Neill didn’t shy away from discussing the possibility of a Treble, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on each competition.
“This is an important game,” O’Neill said pre-match about the Kilmarnock fixture.
“I bet he will be saying in the dressing room, this game is every bit as important as Wednesday’s game coming up.
“They will want to stay in this competition. I know the players will still want to think about the Treble. I know it’s very early on and if I was the manager, then I would be playing all of these things down.
“I am not the manager, so I am going to go strong on it and say, this is exactly what they want to do. They have gone strong and it hasn’t surprised me, at all.”
A Clear Path Forward
With Celtic’s lead in the Premiership all but unassailable, Rodgers has the luxury of balancing squad rotation with the pursuit of silverware.
The League Cup is already secured, the Scottish Cup campaign is off to a strong start, and Champions League ambitions remain alive.
While Rodgers has urged his players to focus on taking their chances—a critique following recent matches—it’s clear that Celtic are in a position to achieve something special this season.
The Treble may not be guaranteed, but with Rodgers at the helm and the squad showing resilience, it’s undoubtedly within reach.
