Callum McGregor would have been a young kid when Martin O’Neill was writing his legend at Celtic.
Celtic fans are used to winning title after title and trophy after trophy right now. But that dominant period started with O’Neill after the turn of the century.
Fast forward to the present, and McGregor is playing a part of Celtic’s team that beats Feyenoord on Thursday night in the Europa League, in what is now O’Neill’s final European game in charge.
Everybody is aware that Wilfried Nancy is set to come in, but how about O’Neill staying on in another capacity?
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Martin O’Neill on becoming the permanent Celtic manager
Callum McGregor on Martin O’Neill staying on at Celtic
When Brendan Rodgers resigned as Celtic manager last month, dark clouds were hovering, and all was not well on and off the pitch.
Yes, there are still problems off the field of play, but O’Neill has certainly changed the mood inside the club, as McGregor labelled the legendary coach as ‘outstanding’ after the win in Rotterdam.
The Celtic skipper was asked on TNT Sports about O’Neill staying on, and he made it clear that he and the players have ‘enjoyed’ working with him.
“It kind of sums it up in Europe for him, doesn’t it?” responded McGregor on O’Neill bowing out in this way.
“Outstanding. To even have the drive and the appetite to come in and do the job at this age. He has been amazing. He has really lifted the club. Players have responded really, really well. He has responded so well to it as well.
“Like you said, if that’s to be the last one, it kind of sums up his European run. Absolutely outstanding.
McGregor on O’Neill staying on: “Probably not a question for me. We have really enjoyed working with him. Obviously, he is a legend at the club. To come in and work with him first-hand, it has been amazing.
“As I said, probably not a question for me, but I think he will need a wee rest after this.”
Poll: Do you want Wilfried Nancy to become the new Celtic manager?
O’Neill’s record as Celtic manager in his second spell
O’Neill’s final game of his legendary run at Celtic will be against Hibernian on Sunday at Easter Road.
There is no doubt that he will get a warm send-off from the supporters, no matter what happens after the full-time whistle.
But the fact that O’Neill has helped Celtic win their first European away game in 1,484 days sums up the joy and passion he has brought to his second spell in charge.
- Games: 6
- Wins: 5
- Draws: 0
- Losses: 1
- Goals scored: 16
- Goals conceded: 5
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