Martin O’Neill has delivered his verdict on Derek McInnes, but Celtic supporters already know how their last battle ended. O’Neill’s side broke them when it mattered most.
There is no great friendship between the two managers and O’Neill made no attempt to suggest otherwise. They have crossed paths a few times over the years, but that is about the size of it.
That did not stop the Celtic manager from giving McInnes his due for what happened at Hearts. He also knows better than most how close the title race was.
O’Neill’s side then struck with three minutes remaining to ensure McInnes left Parkhead heartbroken and empty-handed.
What are the ‘obvious reasons’ McInnes is talking about?
The new Rangers boss is still bitter.
Martin O’Neill gives Celtic verdict on Derek McInnes
O’Neill did not dodge the question. Despite McInnes now managing Rangers, he admitted the job at Hearts deserved credit.
The Celtic boss said, “I’ve not spoken to Derek all that often. I remember we were talking about an Irish player when he was the manager of Aberdeen and I was the manager of the Republic of Ireland.
“I remember having a couple of conversations with him then. I can’t say I know Derek though. What he did last season with Hearts was absolutely remarkable.
“It was a fantastic effort, really. He’s perhaps gone to the club he would probably be affiliated with. I think he’ll do great. He’s an excellent manager.
“But it’s not just being patronising or sycophantic about it. I thought he did brilliantly last year.”
O’Neill wasn’t trying to flatter him. They barely know each other.
But Celtic supporters will remember something else just as clearly. McInnes had his chance to win the league and O’Neill was the man who ripped it out of his hands.
Celtic broke Hearts when it mattered most
Hearts led the Premiership for 250 days and travelled to Celtic Park with the title still in their hands.
O’Neill’s side won 3-1 on the final day after Daizen Maeda struck in the 87th minute and Callum Osmand settled it in stoppage time.
McInnes finished the afternoon empty-handed. O’Neill ended it with the trophy above his head.
O’Neill can respect the job he did at Hearts, but Celtic were still the team that denied Hearts the title.
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