Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has delivered a stark warning about his team's Scottish Premiership title chances, admitting they cannot afford more dropped points as they trail Hearts by five points. With only nine games remaining, the Celtic Park boss emphasized the urgency of their situation ahead of Saturday's clash with Motherwell, who could move within two points of the champions with a victory.

O'Neill's side has endured a grueling schedule, playing four consecutive away matches in just 10 days, including the recent Old Firm derby at Ibrox that ended in a 2-2 draw. The champions progressed to the Scottish Cup semi-finals with a penalty shootout win over Rangers, though the match was marred by crowd trouble. Despite the demanding fixture list, O'Neill insists there's little margin for error left in their title defense.

The manager faces selection challenges with captain Callum McGregor still sidelined, though Kieran Tierney is set to return from a foot injury. Meanwhile, Celtic boss expects Rangers to receive their full away allocation for the next Old Firm league fixture at Celtic Park, despite violent post-match scenes following their recent Scottish Cup encounter.