Martin O’Neill’s brutal disapproval of Celtic post-match ritual revealed by Luke McCowan

Add as preferred source on Google

Martin O’Neill has returned to a very different Celtic team to the one he had two decades ago.

The Hoops icon replaced Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis to, ‘hold the fort’ before the arrival of a permanent manager – but his impact has been undeniable.

Of his seven games in interim charge, O’Neill has won six, including a semi-final against Rangers, a tough Europa League tie at Feyenoord and tricky away league meetings with Hibs and St Mirren.

After a turbulent start to the season, O’Neill has provided much-needed stability and unity.

But internally, he’s done more than just that, as Luke McCowan has been discussing.

Luke McCowan on Martin O’Neill at Celtic

As a boyhood Celtic fan, McCowan joked that he was ‘scared’ of O’Neill, given his aura as a club legend.

O’Neill’s dry sense of humour has shone through in his media interviews, and it’s also been making an impact behind the scenes.

READ MORE: Celtic transfer target bags against Kyogo Furuhashi’s Birmingham City

McCowan told the brilliant story of how O’Neill responded to the Celtic players’ lap of honour after home games, commenting on his wider impact as well.

He said: “The first game he was in charge, we done the lap of honour that we do at home.

“He looked at us and said, ‘Did you win a cup?’ And he just knew right away. He went, ‘you need to know your next game’s coming’.

“And that was his message. It was just always about the next one. We win in Feyenoord, and his next message right after the game was, ‘we’ve got Sunday to come’.

“And I think that’s what’s helped. He’s just been on us constantly. But he brings a great sense of humour, just says what he sees, and that kind of helps break ice in changing rooms.

“So he’s been great to have around the place, and an absolute pleasure for me to meet him and work under him.”

O’Neill looks set to finally take charge of his last game against Dundee at Celtic Park this week.

Martin O’Neill’s interim spell at Celtic

Over two decades after his legendary first spell came to an end, O’Neill made his sensational return and instantly won his first game 4-0 against Falkirk.

That weekend, his bold calls to start Johnny Kenny and introduce Callum Osmand paid off with the 3-1 win against Rangers after extra time.

His only defeat came in the next European fixture against Midtjylland, but the team responded with another 4-0 home win, this time against Kilmarnock.

After remaining in his job through the international break, he came back with a perfect week of three away wins, skyrocketing his popularity even further – Wednesday’s game against Dundee will hopefully be the perfect ending.