Martin O’Neill faces growing criticism over Haitham Hassan’s limited role at Celtic

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is facing growing criticism over his continued decision to leave Egyptian winger Haitham Hassan on the bench, following the club’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

The experienced manager has come under scrutiny for his handling of the Egyptian international, with sections of the football community questioning why the winger is not being given more opportunities to start matches despite his impressive contributions as a substitute.

According to reports, pressure is mounting on O’Neill over his team selection decisions, particularly his reluctance to hand Hassan a regular starting role.

Celtic were forced to settle for a draw against Dundee United after a frustrating first-half performance, but improved considerably after the break, taking greater control of the encounter and registering 19 attempts on goal.

The result saw the Scottish giants maintain their position at the top of the league standings, holding a four-point advantage over rivals Rangers, who also dropped points in the previous round.

However, the performance has raised further questions about the team’s consistency, particularly with supporters expecting stronger displays in European competitions alongside their domestic ambitions.

Hassan’s limited involvement has become one of the major talking points surrounding O’Neill’s management. The Egyptian has started only five Scottish Premiership matches, accumulating 461 minutes of league action.

Against Dundee United, he was introduced after the interval and provided an attacking spark, making his presence felt in the opposition’s penalty area.

The winger recorded 10 touches inside the box, created two chances and attempted four shots, underlining his ability to trouble defenders and contribute to Celtic’s attacking play.

Despite those numbers, O’Neill has continued to use Hassan primarily as an impact substitute, often introducing him when the team is struggling to find a breakthrough.

This approach has prompted questions about whether the Egyptian is being given sufficient opportunities to build confidence, establish rhythm and demonstrate his qualities over a sustained period.

Hassan’s dribbling ability, attacking movement and willingness to take on defenders make him a dangerous option in the final third, but his limited starting opportunities have made it difficult for him to establish consistency.

The criticism also extends to O’Neill’s handling of other squad members, including former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has struggled to secure regular playing time.

With expectations remaining high at Celtic, the manager faces increasing pressure to get the best out of his attacking options and improve the team’s overall performances.

Although Celtic remain in a strong position domestically, continued disappointing results, particularly in Europe, could intensify scrutiny of O’Neill’s decisions, including his treatment of Hassan.

For the Egyptian winger, the immediate challenge is to maintain his impressive impact whenever called upon and convince the manager that he deserves a more regular place in the starting lineup.