MARTIN O’NEILL is preparing to say farewell to Ibrox on a high tomorrow afternoon.
The interim manager will almost certainly be in charge of a Celtic team for the last time in Govan when they take on Danny Rohl’s side in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.
It comes just a week after the charismatic Irishman, celebrating his 74th birthday, had to sprinkle some stardust on proceedings when his players trooped in two goals adrift at half-time in the crucial Premiership encounter at the same venue.
O’Neill had big decisions to make during the 15-minute interlude and removed off-the-pace duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Junior Adamu and sent on Reo Hatate and Sebastian Tounekti while moving Daizen Maeda to the main attacking role.
RISE AND SHINE…Keiran Tierney leaps to head in Celtic’s first goal during the 2-2 comeback draw at Ibrox. Daizen Maeda enjoys a close-up view.
Within 11 minutes, Keiran Tierney had pulled one back with a deft header and the responsibility fell to the restored Japanese midfielder to gain a point in the fading moments of a dramatic derby confrontation.
Thankfully, Hatate responded following a third attempt after Jack Butland had twice denied him at the penalty-kick.
A 2-1 midweek victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie saw the champions leap above the Ibrox outfit by a point and five adrift of Hearts with nine league games to play.
Last season, the Hoops claimed their fourth successive title with a 5-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice on April 26 – with FOUR games still to play.
Hibs were dismissed 2-0 in the Scottish Cup quarter-final as Brendan Rodgers’ men looked to be on their way to another silverware clean sweep.
Aberdeen scuppered that bid following a mystifyingly dismal display from the holders in the showpiece at Hampden on May.
THE WINNER…Benjamin Nygren whips the ball past stranded Aberdeen keeper Dimitar Mitov for the points-clincher at Pittodrie. Once again, Daizen Maeda gets a good view of the strike.
However, Celtic have won 13 out of the last 14 Premiership crowns and numerous Cups during a stupendously successful period, but this season has been unexpectedly turbulent.
Wilfried Nancy was in charge when the team lost 3-1 to St Mirren in the Premier Sports League Cup Final on December 14 before his wretched 33-day stay ended following the 3-1 derby defeat at Parkhead on January 3.
Analysing the current situation with the Hoops trying desperately to get back on track, O’Neill said: “The overall picture is I think that it should be a wake-up call for the football club.
“You could say that in recent years fans have maybe been spoiled, no real challenges in many aspects.
“Being able to coast home in the last six or seven games of a season, which is great because you’ve done that. But the challenge has not been strong.”
O’Neill, speaking to Sky Sports, continued: “Here it is. Hearts have arrived on the spot, maybe a few years before they thought they would do.
“Rangers have come strongly and spent some money getting good players in at the football club.
FANS’ SALUTE…Martin O’Neill acknowledges the Celtic support at Ibrox.
“So, it’s been a challenge all season and certainly been the challenge in my couple of spells in here, where you’re winning some matches and you’re still trying to peg teams back.
“But we’re in with a chance anyway, that’s the point.”
The veteran gaffer added: “I don’t think tomorrow’s game would have a serious bearing on the title, but in terms of confidence building, of course, those things always matter.
“But for the league, I’m not sure. It’s down to nine games now.”
After the exertions at Ibrox, the Hoops players can enjoy the luxury of having a period of five days to get ready for the visit of Motherwell to the east end of Glasgow when the quest for league points gets underway again.
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