MARTIN O’NEILL’S tactical “genius” has been hailed from an unexpected source – Kris Boyd!
The former Ibrox striker appears to have joined the list of admirers of the 73-year-old Celtic interim boss after the 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final triumph over his old club at Hampden at the weekend.
O’Neill had agreed to return to the Hoops on Monday after the dramatic resignation from Brendan Rodgers and had taken charge of the team 48 hours later for the 4-0 Premiership win over Falkirk at Parkhead on the back of consecutive defeats against Dundee and Hearts.
Johnny Kenny hit a first-half double against John McGlynn’s side and kept his place for the derby showdown at the national stadium.
WELCOME TO THE DERBY…Martin O’Neill greets opposite number Danny Rohl before Sunday’s encounter at Hampden.
The 22-year-old Irishman thumped the holders into the lead with a flashing header before they went on to finish the extra-time encounter with strikes from Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand.
Boyd reflected: “Celtic didn’t really create a lot and got a lead through a fantastic header from Johnny Kenny.
“It’s a great ball in, doesn’t matter what size you are as long as you get across the front of your man, and it’s an unbelievable flick back across.
“I must say I thought he led the line really well.
“Whether the fact Martin giving him the nod as – I know he scored during the week – the leading striker in the team with Daizen Maeda coming back, but he was moved to the right-hand side.”
The one-time Scotland international striker, speaking to Go Ballistic on the SunSport’s YouTube channel, continued: “You’ve got to say it was a little bit of genius from Martin O’Neill.
“No doubt Maeda’s better from the left wing than what he is from the right, but Johnny Kenny gave Celtic that focal point.
HEADS I WIN…Johnny Kenny rises above the Ibrox defence to flash in the opening goal at Hampden with keeper Jack Butland left helpless.
“I thought he worked his socks off, got a great header and a chance just after that, as well, and it was a good save from Butland.
“I thought he led line really well.”
During Rodgers’ reign this season, Kenny had been on the fringe while Osmand hadn’t been near the first team following his summer arrival from Fulham.
Boyd insisted it doesn’t reflect well on Rodgers that he wasn’t able to get them firing in the manner O’Neill has since his unlikely comeback.
The media pundit added: “I don’t think that looks that good on Brendan Rodgers.
“Even the way Celtic were they were flat towards his end.
ON THE BALL…Daizen Maeda poses a threat with Ibrox forward Danilo left in his slipstream.
“For Martin O’Neill to come in and get a bounce so quickly and also a bounce out of players who had been nowhere to be seen.
“For whatever reason, Martin has been able to do that.
“We are all guilty of it sometimes when you feel as if people are over the hill there is no doubt Martin would have fallen into that category.
“But there is one thing you can’t dismiss which is experience, but not only that, his man management.
“Being able to deal with people, put an arm round them and make them feel 10 foot tall.
“When you listen to a lot of ex-Celtic players that’s what Martin was very good at.
“That’s probably what this group was needing.”
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