---
title: "Martin O’Neill targets Rangers fatigue with calculated rotation"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/09/10/martin-o-neill-celtic-rangers-fatigue-calculated-rotation"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-09-10T05:39:39Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T16:08:02Z"
---

# Martin O’Neill targets Rangers fatigue with calculated rotation

**Celtic manager Martin O’Neill opted for significant rotation to secure a 1-0 Scottish Premiership victory over St Johnstone, ahead of Sunday’s cup quarter-final against Rangers.**

O’Neill left Camilo Duran, Benjamin Nygren and Kieran Tierney on the bench at McDiarmid Park, while Cameron Carter-Vickers was omitted entirely due to stiffness.

The tactical reshuffle afforded debutant goalkeeper Sam Johnstone an opportunity to produce a crucial first-half save against Joel Cotterill.

Summer arrival Mika Baur subsequently capitalised on the adjustments, converting a 52nd-minute breakthrough from close range to register his first goal since arriving from Paderborn.

## Depleted Squad Restricts Derek McInnes

Over at Ibrox, Rangers required a last-gasp Bojan Miovski winner to overcome St Mirren.

Derek McInnes is navigating his own selection issues after losing captain Lawrence Shankland and Daisuke Yokota for two to three months with a hamstring tear and groin tear, respectively, joining Youssef Chermiti on the long-term absentee list.

This escalating injury toll forces a [rapid attack redesign](https://readrangers.com/2026/09/10/daisuke-yokota), leaving the Ibrox manager unable to rest his senior starters during a congested schedule.

The demanding midweek fixture served as a [direct tactical trial](https://readrangers.com/2026/09/09/rangers-st-mirren) that heavily taxed the remaining first-team squad.

Celtic will now travel to Ibrox Stadium on Sunday for the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final, holding a significantly fresher starting lineup.

Will it matter?

A partisan 50,000-capacity crowd at Ibrox will have something to say about that.