Martin O’Neill will use the international break to study Celtic’s recent performances in greater detail, identifying weaknesses to address and strengths his side can build on.

Back-to-back victories over Beşiktaş and Kilmarnock have given the Hoops some breathing space after another difficult run.

The results have improved but the performances still leave plenty for the manager to work through.

Speaking after Sunday’s 1–0 victory, O’Neill outlined how he intends to spend the pause in club fixtures.

“The break will give me a chance now to look at some of the matches, things that we definitely can improve in, things that I think we maybe have done alright, that we might be able to enhance.” [Glasgow World]

The quick turnaround between matches since the last break has limited the time available for detailed analysis. After Thursday’s European win, preparing for Kilmarnock had to take priority.

Sunday showed why that review needs to take place. Celtic needed an early double save from Sam Johnstone, missed opportunities to extend their lead and almost conceded an equaliser in stoppage time. Three points were welcome, but the afternoon should have been more comfortable.

There is, though, a clear difference between the mood now and the uncertainty surrounding the previous international break.

Celtic went into that pause after three consecutive defeats. O’Neill said he would reflect on his future, leaving supporters waiting for clarity before he confirmed he would continue.

This time, his post-match focus was on improving the team.

Celtic remain four points clear domestically and have given themselves a chance in Europe. That should allow a more settled period of assessment, even if two wins have not answered every question.

Celtic have played nine games across the league and Europa League since the last international break, recording five wins, one draw and three defeats.

Losses to Benfica, Celta Vigo and Falkirk, alongside the home draw with Dundee United, show why back-to-back victories have brought some welcome relief.

But the goalscoring figures need some context. Celtic scored 17 times during that run, with seven coming in the demolition of Hearts. That leaves 10 goals across the other eight matches.

At the other end, Celtic conceded 11 goals and kept just two clean sheets – away to Motherwell and at home to Kilmarnock. Given the number of home fixtures in that spell, that defensive record gives O’Neill something to address during the break.