The Swede thinks it could go to the last game of the season but thinks the champions will struggle unless they fix one thing

19:14, 16 Feb 2026Updated 21:56, 16 Feb 2026

(Image: Premier Sports)

Johan Mjallby believes that Celtic have enough about them to retain their Premiership crown at the end of the season – but the Hoops hero admits it might well go down to the last day.

Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Kilmarnock has seen Martin O’Neill’s side close the gap on league leaders Hearts – who were beaten 4-2 at Ibrox hours later – to just three points with a game in hand. That win for Danny Rohl’s Gers has also put them just a point ahead of Celtic as the race for the title just keeps hotting up.

Celts return to European action with the first leg of their Europa League knockout clash against Stuttgart this week, with Premiership fixtures against Hibernian and Aberdeen and a tasty double header in the league and cup with arch rivals Rangers quickly following in pursuit.

But despite fixture pile up, Mjalby – who played under O’Neill at Parkhead between 2000 and 2004 is confident his old team can clinch their fifth straight championship, even it it does end up going down to the wire.

Speaking on the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, he said: “I do (believe they will do it). I think it’s going to be nip-and-tuck. I have a wee incline that it is going to be decided on the last day.

Mjallby’s compatriot Sebastian Tounekti kickstarted Celtic’s comeback from two goals down with a stunning strike from distance at Rugby Park. But the former centre back has hold the winger he needs to do more to ensure he becomes a regular starter for the Hoops.

He stated: “I’m not too sure he deserves to start every game. For me, he is one of them who blows hot and cold. When he is on it, he is brilliant.

“But sometimes he can be quite easy to read and not much is happening (for him). But what I do like about him is that when he has been brought on, he is an impact player.

Celtic’s Sebastian Tounekti scores to make it 2-1 against Kilmarnock

“And that’s what all the players who are not starting the games regularly need to take the chances when they come by scoring goals or making assists.

The Swede also says Celtic’s defending in recent weeks does give him some cause for concern. “It’s a worry for me”, he added. “If they are not going to be solid enough when it comes to the run in, then they are going to struggle to win it (the league).

“They are scoring goals but they can’t really think that is going to be it. They need to get better at set pieces, every time I watch them at one I get worried.

“It looks to me that they are very vulnerable at set pieces. That is something that the manager has to address, there is no question about that.”