CELTIC’S rousing comeback triumph over Danny Rohl’s Ibrox outfit at Parkhead on Sunday has already been despatched to history.
Martin O’Neill acknowledged the victory was absolutely crucial and three points were a must as the champions edged to within one point of leaders Hearts ahead of tomorrow’s penultimate Premiership game of the season against Motherwell at Fir Park.
Preparing for an acid test against Jens Berthel Askou’s impressive team that drew 1-1 with the Tynecastle club at the same venue on Saturday night, the Hoops’ interim boss said: “The derby win gives us a big boost of confidence going into this game.
“That’s obviously the most important thing.
“Actually, winning the game in the manner in which we did was great, but that’s gone. It really has gone now. It’s over and done with.
“Now we face a major task tomorrow evening.”
Asked about the opportunity to set up the possibility of a winner-takes-all confrontation with Derek McInnes’ side at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon, O’Neill responded: “Well, of course, it’s of the utmost importance.
“Actually, if we win the two games, easier said than done, we win it [the title]. We would have got long odds about that a number of weeks ago, certainly a few months ago.
“So, from that viewpoint, we have to try and win – and that will not be easy.
“We’ve been fighting every single week, we’ve won five league games on the trot and still haven’t caught up. So that might tell you everything about our position some months ago.”
Applauding the efforts of his team, the 74-year-old Irishman, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “We’ve got some players who are playing in really good form.
“There’s a good connection with the team now and the fans. I think that’s been an important issue.
“Celtic Park on Sunday was kind of a reminiscent of my old days. That’s been great. But we’ve gone away from home, we’ve won some big matches, as well. So I think just a combination of all of those things gives us a chance.
“The players have known for some weeks, particularly after the game at Dundee United, that there’s no room for mistakes. That’s hard to keep going every single game because there’ll be a match where you might actually dominate, you might not score and the other team might break away and find themselves 1-0 up.
“For instance, on Sunday, we started off strongly, the game was helter skelter, I must admit. Rangers score and it sets us back. Then we come roaring back into the game, scoring a couple of goals after half-time, one of them being a fantastic goal, gives us that big boost of confidence that’s so important at this stage.”
O’Neill commented: “We can only look at ourselves and try and win the game tomorrow night. I think then the weekend will take care of itself.
“We’ve come a long distance here, we would like it to go to the last game.”
Quizzed on how he has been able to keep a lid on his emotions, O’Neill replied: “Well, actually, that’s really been quite easy. People are saying to me that you don’t celebrate the goals in the manner in which you used to.
“One, I’m older. Two, I can’t jump as high. And three, I don’t even know whether it’s a goal or not. Because what’s the point in celebrating something that’s going to be ruled offside or penalty or something else or whatever the case may be?
“I’ve always felt the same as a manager. You’re depending on players for your living, So the same sort of nervousness, the same sort of excitement, all those types of things still exist.”
Paying a massive compliment to his backroom team which comprises Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, Stephen McManus and Gavin Strachan among others, O’Neill took a trip back in time to his days at Nottingham Forest.
The veteran coach added with a smile: “I’m essentially, quote Brian Clough’s phrase once, when he was talking about Peter Taylor [his assistant], and he said that he, Clough, was the shop window, and Taylor was the goods at the back.
“I feel this about the coaches.”
O’Neill also reported a clean bill of health among the squad after the rigours of the derby and everyone is fit and raring to go against Well.
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