Martin O’Neill will lead Celtic into the 2026 Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline, more than two decades after his last Hampden Park final appearance.
Celtic beat St Mirren 6-2 in extra-time and will have the chance to win the Scottish Cup for the first time in a year ending in six.
O’Neill’s last game in charge of the Hoops in his first spell in charge was also at Hampden as Celtic beat Dundee United 1-0 in the 2005 final in what will be a full-circle moment for the 74-year-old.
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Martin O’Neill can end his second spell in charge how he ended his first
The Celtic legend is one of the best managers in the club’s history and, if he can deliver a league and cup double, a statue of O’Neill should certainly be a conversation.
That 1-0 win against Dundee United in Mount Florida 21 years ago was the perfect sign-off to a wonderful five years.
This second spell has been equally as dramatic, chaotic and wild; however, that final game will mean more in some ways and will be testament to the turnaround overseen by the Irishman.
Celtic will be the favourites for the cup
Everyone will have the Hoops as favourites, especially as they’re going up against lower league opposition.
Dunfermline beat Falkirk on penalties to reach the final and Neil Lennon is relishing the chance to face his former boss on 23 May.
Should Celtic build a statue of Martin O’Neill outside of Parkhead?
The gap between the two teams in terms of resources and finances is night and day, but a cup final is where one mistake can punish you.
Celtic learned that the hard way in the 2025 final defeat against Aberdeen and won’t want to repeat that.
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