Celtic’s win against Falkirk was exactly what the club needed after a chaotic few days.
Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation came just as quickly as the news that Martin O’Neill would be his interim replacement.
Former Celts Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus have joined him in the temporary dugout team, balancing things out with a bit of youth.
Dermot Desmond’s brutal attack on Rodgers had overshadowed the return of O’Neill, but a comfortable victory was just what the side needed to help the narrative.
And with an excellent win and performance, O’Neill was full of positive (and humorous) words after the match.
Martin O’Neill on ‘fine footballer’ after Celtic win vs Falkirk
After an iffy start, the Hoops got going and didn’t stop playing.
A brace from Johnny Kenny marked a perfect first half for the Irish striker, before summer signings Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti got on the scoresheet after the break.
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But Marcelo Saracchi, Callum McGregor and James Forrest also earned plaudits on the night, despite not getting on the scoresheet.
For O’Neill, speaking after the game, the latter was worthy of a mention – despite being one of the squad’s older individuals.
He said: “I thought Forrest did brilliantly for us tonight, considering he’s the same age as me.
“But he was great, and we needed him and all. Down the right hand side, someone to take people on, that little burst of pace.
“He made some great crosses as well. Just a fine footballer. A really fine player.”
Largely used as a substitute for the Hoops nowadays, such a performance could force O’Neill and Maloney into a rethink.
Celtic’s team selection vs Rangers
Forrest’s performance puts him in serious contention to start in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers.
Nygren had been starting as the right-winger towards the end of Rodgers’ spell, but he joined Arne Engels in the midfield against Falkirk.
Kenny scored two first goals in the 4-0 win, before being replaced by Daizen Maeda. O’Neill has a decision to make there on Sunday too.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Reo Hatate were both also named as substitutes on Wednesday and will still be in the coaching staff’s thoughts.
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