Benjamin Nygren might only score goals, those goals could prove to be so important come the end of a title race that could be settled on goal difference…Benjamin Nygren of Celtic makes a pass during the Scottish Premiership between Celtic and St. Mirren at Celtic Park on April 11, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Walking down the London Road (no I’m not about to burst into song!) in the pleasant Glasgow spring sunshine on Saturday evening after the 3-1 win over Falkirk, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on a conversation between two supporters just over my shoulder.
The two supporters were deep in conversation, and one was clearly vocal in a negative way, and it was in regard to the performance of Benjamin Nygren.
Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“He’s useless and does nothing” or words to the effect were uttered by the disgruntled supporter. His companion retaliated by saying “he scores goals to be fair.”
His disgruntled mate snarled back “that isnae good enough, we’re worse than a man doon when he plays” end of conversation.
Benjamin Nygren celebrates. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
That particular conversation might have been between two individuals, but it perfectly summed up the feeling that exists between the entire Celtic support in regard to the Swedish international, as it’s split entirely down the middle when it comes to Benji’s true worth to this Celtic side.
Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
I’m fully of the opinion that Benji contributes greatly to our side, although admittedly he can be a bit frustrating at times, but the stats don’t lie, and fully justify my opinion. He’s scored 20 goals and has eight assists in 53 games across all competitions. That isn’t a record to be scoffed at. As a team we have scored a total of 99 times in very tournament, meaning Benji with 28 goal contributions has contributed to 28.88% of our overall tally.
Benjamin Nygren celebrates. Kilmarnock 2 Celtic 3. Scottish Premiership. Sunday 15 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Take away that contribution and we wouldn’t be in contention for the title, that’s a fact. Especially when you consider he scored vital goals in games that we would have otherwise dropped yet more points.
His vital winner at Falkirk, his opening goal at Tynecastle which resulted in a precious point. His equaliser in the dramatic comeback at Rugby Park, and his ever so important winning goal at Pittodrie. Goals that went a long way in securing very valuable points, and ones that could prove ever so vital come the end of the season.
Yes, he might only ‘just score goals’, but without those goals we would in a much more difficult position than we are at this very moment.
It’s all immaterial anyway, as Martin O’Neill and his coaching staff will make the team selections for the remaining games of the season and regardless of who he plays in the middle of the park, we will undoubtedly give them all our 100% support.
Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
That’s 100% guaranteed and you saw the difference at Celtic Park on Saturday which left everyone, players, supporters and management all absolutely buzzing. Here’s another point to note. Before the game The Green Brigade welcomed the Celtic team to Paradise with a brilliantly themed ‘Spirit of ’86’ poster backed by an outstanding tifo.
Looking at the results of the two games yesterday, Hearts will means that Celtic may have to beat Hearts on the last day of the season if both sides win all their remaining games before trophy day. Then it’s going to be decided on goal difference…just like in 1986.
Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
So it makes perfect sense to have our top goalscorer in the team in these matches where Celtic should not only be looking to win but also to get as many goals as we possibly can. That’s why there’s no sensible argument to be made for NOT starting Benjamin Nygren. If he’s fit he plays.