Even with Scottish champions Celtic having returned to Premiership action on Saturday afternoon, the midweek Champions League exit still hangs over proceedings at Parkhead.

The manner of the collapse was almost unforgivable, with such a setback potentially set to have major repercussions for the club's end-of-window transfer dealings.

Should the outcome of one game really determine the fate of the club's business, however? Equally too, has such a result not exposed just how much work is still to be done ahead of next week's deadline?

That might be the saving grace of it all, with the trip to Austria offering the wake-up call that was needed for Martin O'Neill and co, not least in relation to the centre-back ranks.

Why Celtic would be making a mistake with current centre-back options

Patience is needed with Cameron Carter-Vickers, considering his lengthy lay-off last term, yet the meeting with LASK might have a few alarm bells ringing in Glasgow.

In the first leg, the United States international was caught cold in those frantic early exchanges, only seeing his blushes spared by the offside flag.

The manner in which the visitors got in behind the 28-year-old was a concern, as too was the sight of Carter-Vickers limping off on Tuesday night, with Celtic appearing to wilt physically while their hosts cranked up the gears.

O'Neill did make do with an unconventional partnership of Trusty and Liam Scales for much of 2025/26, although the two left-footers have their shortcomings. As things stand too, Scales is currently the understudy to Kieran Tierney at left-back.

The only other 'senior' alternative is Dane Murray, the 23-year-old perhaps best remembered for his Hearts horror-show back in October, alongside his tough first-half outing at Ibrox in March.

With Carter-Vickers proving somewhat unreliable fitness-wise, having Murray as the leading option in reserve at right centre-back appears too much of a risk as the Hoops look to compete across multiple fronts.

Of course, Carter-Vickers is the "best defender in Scotland" on his day, in the view of Ange Postecoglou, and arguably the club's best centre-back since Virgil van Dijk.

How Celtic can bring the next Van Dijk to Parkhead

When Celtic snapped up a 21-year-old Van Dijk from Groningen back in 2013, the immediate consensus among Neil Lennon and co was that the Dutchman wouldn't be sticking around for long. How right they were.

​​​​​​The 6 foot 4 centre-back was simply just a level above right from the off, with it having been men against boys at times, as he proved such a powerhouse in both boxes.

While operating in a different role, perhaps Joel van den Berg can enjoy a similar rise in Glasgow, the attacking midfielder believed to be a leading target for the club.

As per Dutch outlet Voetbul International, the 19-year-old playmaker "wants to go to Glasgow", viewing Celtic as a perfect next destination in his career.

The Premiership side still need to lodge a bid by all accounts, although the player's willingness to move should, you'd hope, ensure this deal gets over the line sooner rather than later.

Signing another exciting, young Dutch talent from the Eredivisie certainly evokes memories of Van Dijk's arrival 13 years ago, with Van den Berg having the potential to follow that path from relative unknown to genuine superstar at Parkhead.

Now, this deal isn't without its risks, considering he has actually made only five league appearances for PSV Eindhoven's first team, although the teenager has still shown plenty to be exciting about.

Having turned out for Jong PSV, the club's reserve team, Van den Berg, has been operating in Holland's second tier over recent years, enjoying a particularly fruitful 2025/26 campaign.

In the Eerste Divisie, he scored and assisted ten goals in his playmaking role, while boasting an average of 1.5 key passes and 1.2 successful dribbles per game.

He's already started the new campaign with two goals in three games, boasting an average of 2.3 key passes per outing as a marker of his probing, progressive quality.

In a similar vein to Van Dijk, what is so eye-catching about Van den Berg is what he offers both in and out of possession, having averaged 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game last season, as well as five ball recoveries per game.

Much like Van Dijk from centre-back, what particularly stands out is Van den Berg's ability to glide his way up the pitch, so classy and composed in possession.

He looks strong and powerful, someone who could rival Benjamin Nygren as a number ten but also potentially fill the void left behind by Arne Engels alongside Callum McGregor.

Few will have heard his name prior to recent days, yet as Van Dijk showcased, such prospects can so quickly steal the show in Glasgow if given the chance.