Martin O’Neill explains why he went to watch St Mirren as Celtic manager search continues

Add as preferred source on Google

Martin O’Neill was spotted watching St Mirren’s game against Hibernian at the weekend amid the backdrop of Celtic’s search for a new manager.

O’Neill was in the dugout for Celtic’s 4-0 win against Kilmarnock on the Sunday to take his record to three wins and one loss from four games.

The Northern Irishman has repeatedly said that he doesn’t want to replace Brendan Rodgers on a permanent basis, while Chris Sutton doesn’t want O’Neill to damage his legacy.

However, after being spotted at St Mirren Park, the 73-year-old was forced to clarify why.

• READ MORE: Chaotic final day leaves Celtic manager target Efrain Juarez embroiled in controversy

Why Martin O’Neill was at St Mirren vs Hibernian

Images circulated of O’Neill and first-team coach Mark Fotheringham watching on as Hibs cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win on Saturday, but the interim manager has urged supporters not to read anything into it.

Speaking after the win against Kilmarnock, he said: “I wanted to go to the game because the one thing I’ve always done here, I’ve had complete respect for opponents all the time.

“You never know, if I was around, it would give me an opportunity to watch the game. So I was off with Fozzy (Mark Fotheringham).”

The Celtic legend then admitted that he was surprised by the wealth of knowledge his coaching partner has when it comes to the beautiful game.

“He talked the whole way through it. He knows football, he knows his stuff,” O’Neill added.

“I can’t believe how well he’s done in Germany and places like this here at Huddersfield. But no, that was all. I just wanted to see the game and that is my job.”

Celtic’s biggest test of the season comes after the international break

There is a week between fixtures now but, when Celtic come back, the real work begins.

As well as the Premier Sports Cup final clash against St Mirren, there is also the Europa League and the Scottish Premiership title race.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	Heart Of MidlothianHeart Of Midlothian	12	9	3	0	29	10	19	30
2	CelticCeltic	11	7	2	2	20	8	12	23
3	HibernianHibernian	12	4	6	2	21	14	7	18
4	RangersRangers	11	4	6	1	15	10	5	18
5	FalkirkFalkirk	12	4	4	4	16	21	-5	16
6	MotherwellMotherwell	11	3	6	2	17	14	3	15
7	Dundee UtdDundee Utd	11	3	5	3	18	17	1	14
8	AberdeenAberdeen	11	3	2	6	8	12	-4	11
9	St MirrenSt Mirren	11	2	4	5	8	15	-7	10
10	KilmarnockKilmarnock	12	2	4	6	13	22	-9	10

Most notably, there will be a top-of-the-table clash on 7 December when the Hoops host current league leaders Hearts.

As it stands, Derek McInnes’ side are seven points clear, but that gap could be reduced to one if Celtic beat the Jambos and then win their game in hand.