Martin O’Neill has publicly backed Sebastian Tounekti as Celtic prepare for life without Yang Hyun-jun.
The South Korean has left for international duty, creating an immediate opening on the wing.
O’Neill made his feelings clear when speaking to Herald Sport this week.
O’Neill Highlights Tounekti’s Key Strengths
The Celtic manager focused on the 24-year-old’s technical qualities.
He pointed to Tounekti’s ability in dangerous areas of the pitch.
“He’s got really good ability around the edge of the penalty box,” O’Neill said.
“The thing I like about him is that he can go both ways.”
Encouragement Amid Natural Frustration
Wide players often face moments of doubt when possession is lost.
O’Neill addressed that reality head-on.
“Sometimes there’s a bit of frustration, but there’ll always be a bit of frustration with wide players who might lose the ball once or twice.”
His message to Tounekti remains consistent and supportive.
“The most important thing to tell wide players is if they can go past people, just keep doing it.”
Missed Chance and Immediate Opportunity
Tounekti failed to convert a chance in the most recent outing.
O’Neill refused to dwell on the miss.
“He’s missed the chance on Saturday night. So it’s a matter of keep encouraging him.”
The manager sees the current situation as a clear chance for the Tunisian to step forward.
Learning from Yang’s Example
Yang has set a high standard in recent weeks.
O’Neill wants Tounekti to study that approach closely.
“He probably sees at the moment that Yang has done exceptionally well, and Yang does great work for us as well when we don’t have the ball.”
Those defensive efforts matter just as much as attacking flair.
“Those are the things that I think Seb can pick up on and can learn. That should be his aim.”
Tounekti’s Record Since Arriving at Celtic
The winger joined from Hammarby last summer.
He has already made 53 appearances for the club.
His contribution stands at six goals and four assists.
Those numbers show steady involvement, yet many supporters want more decisive moments.
Unrewarded Creativity Last Season
Tounekti regularly delivered dangerous crosses last term.
Too often the final touch from teammates was missing.
Several inviting deliveries into the box went unconverted.
That pattern created visible frustration among the Celtic support.
Current Form and the Timing of Yang’s Absence
Celtic head into this period in strong domestic shape.
Recent results have kept them near the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Yang’s goals and work rate had become important factors in that run.
His departure for the Asian Games removes a player who was hitting peak form.
Tactical Demands Under O’Neill
O’Neill has always valued direct, two-footed wide attackers.
He wants players who can beat their man and recover quickly.
Tounekti’s ability to attack both sides of a full-back fits that preference.
The manager’s public praise suggests he is ready to trust the Tunisian in bigger matches.
Fan Reaction and Growing Expectation
Celtic supporters have watched Tounekti with mixed feelings.
Many recognise the raw talent on show.
Others point to inconsistency when chances appear.
The coming weeks offer a clear stage for him to change those opinions.
Jota’s Fitness Adds Extra Competition
Jota is edging closer to a return.
His imminent availability raises the stakes for every wide player.
Tounekti knows he must seize the minutes now available.
A strong showing could secure a longer run in the side.
Why This Moment Matters for Celtic
Important fixtures lie ahead while Yang is away.
Domestic cup ties and league meetings will test squad depth.
European commitments add further pressure on the attacking options.
O’Neill needs reliable contributions from the flanks.
The Work Rate Factor
Yang’s willingness to track back has been repeatedly praised.
O’Neill wants the same commitment from Tounekti.
Attacking ability alone will not be enough.
Defensive discipline completes the modern winger’s role at Celtic.
Potential for a Breakthrough Period
There is genuine belief inside the club that Tounekti can improve.
His technical quality is not in doubt.
Confidence and decision-making in the final third remain the next steps.
Consistent starts could accelerate that development.
Support from the Manager’s Box
O’Neill’s comments were deliberately positive.
Public backing of this kind often lifts a player’s confidence.
The message is clear: keep running at defenders and the rewards will come.
Celtic fans will now watch closely to see if the response matches the words.
Looking Ahead at Parkhead
The next few matches will reveal much about Tounekti’s readiness.
He has the tools to influence games from wide areas.
Whether he can maintain high intensity without the ball will decide his impact.
O’Neill has set the challenge in public.
A Chance to Silence Doubts
Some supporters still need convincing about Tounekti’s end product.
Others see a player who simply needs a run of games.
Yang’s absence removes one established option from the equation.
That vacuum creates the ideal window for the Tunisian to prove his value.
Celtic remain well placed in the league and continue to chase silverware on multiple fronts.
Depth in attacking positions will prove vital over the coming weeks.
O’Neill has identified Tounekti as one of the men who can help fill the gap.
The winger now has the platform to respond.
His ability to go both ways gives defenders a constant problem.
His delivery into the box has already created chances for others.
What remains is the clinical edge and the consistent defensive work that Yang has shown.
Those are the exact qualities O’Neill wants him to adopt.
The manager’s words were measured yet encouraging.
They placed responsibility firmly on the player’s shoulders.
At the same time they offered public support at a key moment.
Celtic supporters will hope the response is swift and decisive.
Tounekti has already shown flashes of the quality that convinced the club to sign him.
Fifty-three appearances demonstrate he has been trusted regularly.
Six goals and four assists provide a foundation to build upon.
The coming period could define how that foundation develops.
With Jota nearing full fitness the competition for places will only intensify.
Every minute on the pitch now carries extra weight.
O’Neill has made clear that opportunity exists for those ready to take it.
Sebastian Tounekti is firmly in that conversation.
Celtic’s attacking structure relies heavily on wide players who can create overloads and recover quickly.
The manager’s preference for direct, two-footed attackers remains unchanged.
Tounekti’s profile matches that requirement more closely than many realise.
The next step is translating potential into consistent performances.
Fans have grown used to high standards from the flanks this season.
Yang’s recent form raised the bar further.
Anyone stepping into that role will be measured against those levels.
O’Neill believes the Tunisian has the ability to meet them.
The message from the manager is straightforward.
Keep running at players.
Accept the occasional loss of possession.
Focus on the defensive side of the game as much as the attacking one.
Those instructions leave little room for ambiguity.
Tounekti now has the chance to show he has absorbed them.
Celtic will monitor his progress closely over the coming fixtures.
The support will do the same.
A successful response would strengthen the squad at a demanding stage of the campaign.
It would also reward the patience shown by the coaching staff.
O’Neill has publicly identified the qualities he wants to see.
The rest is now in the player’s hands.