Chris Sutton doubles down on claim that Hibs are a tougher test than Feyenoord for Celtic

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It’s straight back to action for Celtic today, just three days after their heroics in Rotterdam.

In what looks to be Martin O’Neill’s final game in interim charge, the Celts will face a notoriously difficult opponent in Hibs.

It was a goalless draw when the sides last faced in September, in a game in which Celtic created enough chances to win two or three games.

O’Neill will be hoping that his team are much more clinical today, just as they were in Thursday’s 3-1 win against Feyenoord.

Because for Hoops hero Chris Sutton, this will be an even tougher test.

Chris Sutton on Celtic’s clash against Hibernian

Hibs have been the face of inconsistency in the Premiership this season, but they sit fourth in the table, just five points behind the Celts.

Departed boss Brendan Rodgers famously struggled at Easter Road, and fell to defeat there last time around.

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Sutton knows about these struggles, and he thinks that O’Neill will be aware of them too.

He said in his column for the Daily Record: “O’Neill won’t be resting on any laurels either.

“He’s preparing for one final hurrah at Hibs but I know he’ll be worried about this one.

“Not from a personal point of view, or making sure he goes out on a high. It’s not an ego thing with him. It’s about doing his best for the club – as it has been for the last month.

“He’ll just know Hibs could arguably be a tougher game than Feyenoord the other night and he’ll be determined to keep the momentum going for Wilfried Nancy taking charge.”

And on matchday, he doubled down with his claim with his post on X from Easter Road:

They may not be as strong a side on paper, but Celtic have struggled to meet their domestic expectations on a number of occasions this season – however, not yet under O’Neill.

Celtic’s form going into Hibs clash

O’Neill has won five of his six matches since replacing Rodgers on an interim basis, starting off with a 4-0 win over Falkirk.

In the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, his bold calls to start Johnny Kenny and introduce Callum Osmand paid off as both scored in a 3-1 extra-time win.

A poor defeat to Midtjylland was a setback, and there were suggestions that the 4-0 defeat of Kilmarnock the following Sunday could be his last.

Instead, he has returned from the international break with back-to-back away wins. Can he make it three today? Here’s hoping…