MARTIN O’NEILL addressed his Celtic players for one last time following the champions’ 1-0 triumph over Dundee at Parkhead last night.
The charismatic Irishman bowed out as a winner in his eighth game in interim charge of the team following Brendan Rodgers’ sudden exit in late October.
The success over the Dens Park side was O’Neill’s fifth consecutive Premiership victory after wins over Falkirk (4-0), Kilmarnock (4-0), St Mirren (1-0) and Hibs (2-1) brought in the maximum 15 points.
SWEDE DREAMS…Benjamin Nygren celebrates scoring Celtic’s third goal in the 3-1 Europa League win over Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
Remarkably, the team were trailing pacesetters Hearts by eight points – who overcame a meek Celtic team 3-1 in Edinburgh in what turned out to be Rodgers’ last game – but by the end of play last night the Hoops were level with the Tynecastle outfit on 32 points and have a game in hand.
O’Neill has now passed on the baton to Wilfried Nancy and the Frenchman has the opportunity to fire the team into pole position when they face Derek McInnes’ side in the east end of Glasgow on Sunday afternoon.
It was an emotional setting as the veteran team chief made his farewell speech to the players he undoubtedly galvanised during his brief time in control.
“I couldn’t say anything higher other than you’ve been really, really fantastic.”
O’Neill, speaking on Celtic TV, continued: “I came in here when I was 73. After Falkirk, I thought I was 95.
“But now, I feel 23 again because of you. It has been a genuine privilege to work with you.”
SENSATIONAL…Martin O’Neill signs off with some special praise for Celtic captain Callum McGregor. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
O’Neill also singled out Benjamin Nygren for special words of encouragement. He pointed to the summer recruit and said: “Young man, I love the Swedes. You be one of the top Swedes, please.
“Borg’s my favourite hero, Abba are a fantastic group and Henrik Larsson is just sensational.”
Pointing again at Nygren, the departing team chief said: “Okay, you be Number Four.”
O’Neill concluded by cuddling skipper Callum McGregor and saying: “From start to finish, no, seriously, I would like to say in front of the rest of them one more time, you are sensational.”
The magnetic two-time Celtic gaffer signed off with: “Alright, lads?”
The words were greeted by loud applause from the appreciative players.
MAEDA PARTING GIFT IN O’NEILL’S GRAND FINALE
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