The Hoops ramped up the pressure on league leaders Hearts with an 1-0 win as they moved second
21:48, 14 Jan 2026Updated 09:00, 15 Jan 2026
Kasper Schmeichel was the hero the last time Falkirk beat Celtic – this time the great Dane was the Hoops saviour.
The then Man City loan star saved a penalty 19 years ago when the Bairns shocked Celts in a stunning 1-0 win. This time Schmeichel had to produce something extra special to secure all three points and maintain Martin O'Neill’s resurgence.
The 39-year-old has taken flak this season but pulled off a brilliant trademark point-blank save to deny sub Ethan Williams and bag a priceless three points. It was cruel on Falkirk. John McGlynn’s men had enough chances to put Celtic to bed but Benjamin Nygren nabbed the winner on the stroke of half-time.
But it was far from a slick display from the Hoops. Kyrell Wilson and Barney Stewart passed up massive first half chances before the Bairns were hit by a sucker punch when Nygren nodded in at the back post from an Arne Engels corner kick.
And after the break McGlynn’s men weathered some early pressure and continued to cause Celtic tons of problems. Williams looked set to salvage a deserved point after Liam Scales and Auston Trusty got themselves into a range.
But Schmeichel did his famous spread-eagle routine to get a leg in the way and get his side off the hook and remain in the fight.
MARTIN WORKS WONDERS
The Celtic legend continues to work his magic – by hook or by crook. O’Neill has managed to steady the ship on the back of Wilfried Nancy hitting the rocks and it’s keeping the club in the fight at the top of the table.
The Northern Irishman has been around the block a good few times and while he will be delighted with the win, he won’t be fooled.
Celts were stronger early in the second half against Falkirk but they were lucky in the opening period.
Even at a goal up the champions didn’t look comfortable and the manager was forced in to a number of running repairs.
O’Neill’s experience was vital as he spotted trouble and made changes to try to halt it – unlike what happened in the disastrous December.
The Hoops hero is just about keeping the show on the road but he needs serious help.
BLUNDER PRESSURE
O’Neill gave Celts a lift when he returned but some of the same problems remain. This Hoops team is fragile and they wobble when teams pile on the pressure, which will worry the boss with tough tests on the horizon.
Falkirk could sense it and had the Parkhead side in a heck of a flap at times. And Hoops players can’t blame the shape either. It was a back four but still vulnerable, with wingers Yang and Sebastian Tounekti not offering much protection for their full backs and the midfield lacking much bite.
Celtic never really had control of the game and that will set off alarm bells.
A lot has been made about the need for a striker – and it is absolutely crucial – but landing a no.9 won’t be some kind of silver bullet for O’Neill.
Celtic need strengthening all over the pitch and they’ll need to get a move on with the clock ticking and huge games ahead.
NO SHY BAIRNS
John McGlynn’s men have been a breath of fresh air this season – and they nearly blew Celtic away at times.
Falkirk should have been a couple top inside 30 minutes if they had their shooting boots on.
Tyrell Wilson looked set to score a goal of the season contender when he raced half the length of the pitch and around Kasper Schmeichel, only to slash wide at the end.
The Bairns had other big chances too. Barney Stewart was clean through but fires straight at the keeper and Calvin Miller’s whipped free kick just needed someone to stick their toe on it deep in the six yard box.
Falkirk had Celts rocking but needed more of a cutting edge. It’s the old cliche though – don’t take them there’s always the danger of coming back to bite you.
It was a sore one but Falkirk can still push for a top six finish – which would be a phenomenal achievement.
ABSENCE MAKES HEART GO WONDER
O’Neill didn’t change too much but Reo Hatate did drop out from the weekend.
January is always a time for swirling rumours but the midfielder has looked out of sorts in recent weeks and wasn’t a happy bunny when he went off in the Dundee United win.
Hatate eventually came on but O’Neill didn’t exactly say he wasn’t for sale ahead of this clash and it will be interesting to see if the Japan star has an eye on the exit.
Likewise, Michel-Ange Balikwisha doesn’t look long for the parish. He never got a look under O’Neill first time around and wasn’t on the bench again here, despite being back from AFCON.
Celtic need players in but it wouldn’t be a shock to see some going in the other direction.
REF SENT OFF
It’s not often you see a referee getting subbed – but John Beaton was forced off at half-time at the Falkirk Stadium.
The experienced whistler tweaked a hamstring towards the end of the first half so swapped roles with fourth official Sean Murdoch at the interval.
Murdoch had never taken charge of a top flight game before and right away he had a big call with Celtic’s Liam Scales putting the ball in the net from close range but it was pretty obvious Daizen Maeda was well offside.
The home fans hadn’t been too chuffed with Beaton and didn’t give the stand-in much change either, but he did just fine.