By CALUM CROWE AT CELTIC PARK

Published: 19:01, 1 February 2026 | Updated: 19:01, 1 February 2026

When Celtic announced the loan signing of Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Monchengladbach, Martin O’Neill was quick to play down expectations on the new striker.

The pressure of being thrust into a title race, and into a club who have been crying out for a new centre-forward all season, could easily have placed an added burden on Cvancara’s shoulders.

It was a cute move from O’Neill and spoke of his experience and man-management skills. Yet, whatever pressure Cvancara may or may not feel, he is clearly coping just fine and taking it all in his stride.

The big Czech frontman opened the scoring in this win over Falkirk with a brilliant header in the first half and looked the part up front throughout the 72 minutes he was on the pitch.

For all that O’Neill may have been keen to stress that Cvancara will not instantly be the cure to all of the club’s ills, the reality is that he is a significant upgrade on anything...