Martin O’Neill has acknowledged the threat of Motherwell to Celtic.
It’s no overstatement to say that Jens Berthel Askou has taken Scottish football by storm, establishing the best league defensive record in Europe.
Celtic were previously in a three-horse race, but there is undoubtedly now a fourth in the running. The Scottish Cup is the current focus for O’Neill, but the Hoops meet the Steelmen in their next league fixture
The interim Parkhead boss sees no reason why Motherwell’s emergence can’t be exciting.
How many points will Celtic end the season with?
Will it be enough to win the league? 😅
Martin O’Neill on Motherwell and Jens Berthel Askou threat to Celtic
Asked about the growing competition in the Scottish Premiership, O’Neill said: “That should excite you really as much as anything else…
“To know that there are proper challenges coming in now and that you’ve got to be on your toes.
READ MORE: Callum McGregor says Celtic improvement in ‘every field’ will keep fans happy
“You have to be vigilant. You have to be alert, ready for all challenges coming in. This is just not another doddle through the season.
“It never is really in many aspects. But I’m talking sometimes from a supporting viewpoint. If teams drop away, then it feels as if you’ve won the league and they can’t.
“It’s never like that. No manager – Brendan wouldn’t have thought that Ange wouldn’t have thought the same thing.
“But when you start to get on a run and then you find that the opposition are dropping away quickly, then it feels as if it’s easy.”
Hoops fans have seen first-hand how Motherwell are a threat, with Wilfried Nancy’s side being played off the park in the teams’ last meeting in December.
Even in the game at Celtic Park in October, Askou’s side routinely played through Celtic’s press, though they ultimately lost 3-2.
Do you see Motherwell as a genuine threat to Celtic?
Jens Berthel Askou widely tipped for Celtic job
The Fir Park boss hasn’t made any noise about his Motherwell future, but the media certainly has.
Charlie Mulgrew has given Askou a rousing endorsement, saying that his football would be ‘perfect’ for the Scottish champions.
Frank McAvennie has also urged Celtic to appoint Askou, saying that he would be the one to take the Hoops to the next level.
Asked about who will be leading Celtic this August, Tom English saw him as the favourite, describing the appointment as a ‘no-brainer’.
Even Chris Sutton is sold on Askou – and he is not an easy man to please.
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