When Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Celtic, there wasn't a lot of expectation on him because he had played very little football.

The former Liverpool and Arsenal man arrived on a free transfer, giving Martin O'Neill extra cover and depth in the midfield position.

His lack of football was always going to be a concern, and there was little chance of him becoming a guaranteed starter at Celtic Park.

Since joining the club, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a regular member of O'Neill's squad, but he struggled to make himself a key player, particularly in the Scottish Premiership.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has shown in the past that he has plenty of talent and technical ability, but his fitness and physicality have certainly dropped off over the last few years.

Considering Celtic's struggles at times, particularly in Europe, there's little reason why Oxlade-Chamberlain shouldn't be given more minutes for the club. A number of Celtic's supposedly key players have flattered to deceive, and O'Neill's treatment of Oxlade-Chamberlain is now bordering on being pretty unfair.

If other players were performing at a strong level, then you could understand Oxlade-Chamberlain being predominantly utilised from the bench, but that is certainly not the case.

The 33-year-old has started just two games in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, playing a total of 171 minutes. He also failed to come on in Celtic's defeat against Celta Vigo, while he's only played 30 minutes for Celtic in the league since the start of September.

Nobody seems to be talking about O'Neill's treatment of Oxlade-Chamberlain, especially considering he was so keen to bring him to the club initially.

Celtic's troubles have been well documented this season, particularly in Europe, and there's no doubt O’Neill needs to make some changes.

Giving more minutes to Oxlade-Chamberlain could be the answer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's European experience

Oxlade-Chamberlain could be the answer for Celtic in Europe if they want to turn things around after three defeats from three.

The former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder has plenty of experience playing in Europe, including in the Champions League, during his time in England.

Oxlade-Chamberlain might struggle alongside a midfielder without much physicality, such as Callum McGregor, but pair him with the right player and he could be ideal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain might not be the complete answer to all of Celtic's problems, but either way, O'Neill's treatment of him so far this season hasn't been fair.

The 33-year-old needs to be more of an option for the Scottish club, especially in Europe, due to their struggles.