This was supposed to be Martin O’Neill’s final game in charge of Celtic against Hibernian.
By all intents and purposes, O’Neill was going to bow out at Easter Road, ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s expected arrival.
But before Celtic’s win against Hibernian on Sunday, O’Neill told the fans that he will stay on until the game against Dundee on Wednesday night, at the very least.
After Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels scored Celtic’s crucial goals in the first half, he reacted to their performances and the team’s overall display.
- READ MORE: Chris Sutton fears Martin O’Neill could ‘cast a shadow’ over Wilfried Nancy after Celtic change
Who is your man of the match?
Martin O’Neill praises Daizen Maeda, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty
Speaking on Sky Sports Football (30/11/25), O’Neill agreed that Maeda was Man of the Match, as he also lauded Liam Scales and Auston Trusty as ‘magnificent’ for their defensive display.
With Martin Boyle and Kieron Bowie up top for Hibs, Celtic’s backline had to deal with a lot of aerial balls, and they were put through their defensive work.
That’s why O’Neill wanted to single out his two centre-backs.
“I am not going to disagree,” responded O’Neill on Maeda being Man of the Match. “Daizen did great for us. Absolutely brilliant.
“But Scales and Trusty have been magnificent for us since I arrived, and probably a lot longer before that.
“In terms of the team, I thought we played some really lovely stuff first half. We really got tired in the second half. Probably an excuse, maybe for Thursday evening.
“Hibs get a penalty. It gives them a big lift, and then we are on the back foot for a while. They showed some resilience, I must admit. I have seen that, and it has been terrific.”
Was it a handball?
O’Neill on chasing down Premiership leaders Hearts
On Saturday afternoon, Hearts dropped more points at Motherwell, as the champions of Scotland are closing in on the Premiership leaders.
Celtic are now two points behind Derek McInnes’ men, with a game in hand, and ahead of their meeting next week, as O’Neill commented on the Jambos post-match at Easter Road.
“There has been a response from the players,” added O’Neill. “Some of the players can really play this game. They just lost a wee bit of confidence in the matches they had played before we came in.
“I know I have said this a dozen times, but just a restoration of confidence.
“This was more important for me, in the sense that we have to try and chase down Hearts, and all the teams beside that.”
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