Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has confirmed he will be keeping a close eye on both Rangers and Hearts as key Sunday fixtures take centre stage.
O’Neill made it clear he will be monitoring developments as Rangers face Motherwell and Hibs take on Hearts. He stated that this has always been part of his approach at this stage of the season.
The Celtic manager pointed back to previous title run-ins where tracking results elsewhere was unavoidable in his very first spell as the Parkhead boss and that mindset has not changed 25 years later.
Will we hunt Hearts down and win the title?
Celtic title context remains central as O’Neill tracks Sunday fixtures
Speaking after Celtic beat Falkirk, O’Neill said: “I will pay attention to what’s happening, absolutely and I’ve always done that at any given stage.
“Yeah. Gosh, I remember going back years and years ago worrying about what Rangers might do the next day, or what we might do the next day.
“But Hearts have shown great resilience themselves today, and it’s a three horse race.”
O’Neill knows what’s at stake at this point of the season and after Celtic’s win over Falkirk, the title pressure is fired back on to Rangers and Hearts this afternoon.
Celtic can capitalise if Rangers and Hearts slip on Sunday
If Rangers and Hearts lose, Celtic have a clear opportunity to move ahead in the table. The current standings show how tight the gap remains at the top.
A defeat for Rangers against Motherwell would mean Celtic stay above the Ibrox club in second place. However if Hearts drop points at Hibs and lose by more than four goals, Martin O’Neill’s team would go top of the league.
The current Premiership table shows how little margin exists between the sides. One swing in results is enough to change the order at the top.
O’Neill’s focus reflects that reality. Every outcome on Sunday has a direct impact on where Celtic will find themselves in the league title race this weekend.
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