Are you getting sick of hearing that every Celtic game is a must-win?

Because I am certainly getting sick of writing it.

Honestly, I would much rather be discussing Celtic’s attacking brilliance, the green and white army marching towards another league title, or the individual performances of our players.

Unfortunately, here we are again, discussing another must-win game.

And believe me, I am not exaggerating.

The 2-2 draw against Dundee United on Wednesday has made today’s fixture against Falkirk even more important.

Two points dropped at Celtic Park, another frustrating evening, and another performance which left me asking more questions than I had answers.

We scored twice, rescued a point, and somehow managed to make a home fixture against Dundee United feel like an examination we had not prepared for properly.

Not exactly the standards I associate with Celtic.

And now Martin O’Neill faces another test.

Let me put something into perspective; Martin O’Neill has won just three of his last nine games across all competitions. Three victories out of nine matches for a Celtic manager. I do not think I need to explain why that statistic should concern every Celtic supporter.

We are not talking about a newly promoted side trying to establish itself in the Premiership.

We are talking about Celtic, a club whose expectations are considerably higher.

And O’Neill simply cannot afford to make it three wins in ten.

Before anyone starts assuming that Celtic will simply turn up, score a couple of goals and collect three points, I would suggest taking a closer look at our opponents.

John McGlynn’s Falkirk have won their last three league fixtures, including an impressive victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie. They are sitting sixth in the table and have found some momentum at precisely the wrong time for Celtic.

They will fancy their chances of making life uncomfortable for us.

I am particularly concerned about Celtic’s defensive organisation. The Dundee United game exposed familiar problems, with two goals conceded in quick succession after we had taken the lead. How many times must we watch Celtic surrender control of a match because of defensive mistakes?

We cannot keep relying on our attacking players to rescue us from situations which should never have developed in the first place.

I want to see a Celtic side that knows what it is doing.

A team with a clear tactical plan, players occupying their natural positions and, above all, some understanding of how to defend as a collective.

Surely that is not asking for the moon?

I expect decisions, not excuses.

I expect a starting eleven that makes sense, not another tactical experiment which leaves players wondering what their actual responsibilities are.

Callum McGregor has already spoken about the problems with Celtic’s structure, and I believe those comments deserve serious consideration.

Our captain knows what Celtic should look like.

When players start publicly highlighting the lack of organisation, perhaps it is time for the coaching staff to listen rather than simply carry on regardless.

I also want to see Kasper Høgh used properly.

We spent a considerable amount of money bringing him to Celtic, and I refuse to believe that a striker of his qualities has suddenly forgotten how to score goals.

He needs service, support and a team capable of creating opportunities for him.

Playing him without the necessary attacking support and then expecting miracles is hardly a sensible strategy.

Camilo Duran has shown that he can make things happen, while Haissem Hassan offers qualities that Celtic should be exploiting.

There is enough attacking talent in this squad.

What I want to see is a coherent system which allows these players to demonstrate it.

And please, Martin, let us not spend another afternoon watching Celtic struggle to find its rhythm.

There is an opportunity here that Celtic simply cannot waste.

The Ibrox club are occupied with their League Cup semi-final, and victory at Falkirk would allow Celtic to extend the advantage at the top of the Premiership to seven points.

That is a significant opportunity, and one we should be capable of taking.

However, I am not interested in celebrating league-table mathematics before the job is done. We have to earn those three points on the pitch. I want intensity from the first whistle. I want players who understand the importance of the occasion.

I want to see Celtic pressing, creating chances and defending with determination.

Most importantly, I want to see a team that looks like Celtic again.

Martin O’Neill deserves respect for everything he has done for this football club. His history at Celtic is beyond question.

But history does not win today’s football match, and reputation cannot be used as an everlasting protective shield against criticism.

I will always respect what he has achieved. But I will also judge what I see on the pitch.

And right now, there is plenty that needs improving.

My prediction? Falkirk 1-3 Celtic.

I believe we have enough quality to win this one, but I would be considerably happier if our defenders remembered that their primary responsibility is to defend rather than invite the opposition into our penalty box.

So, dear Celtic, please spare me another afternoon of unnecessary cardiac exercise.

I have written enough must-win previews to last me a lifetime.

Three points, boys. Get the job done.

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