Not once, not twice, but as many as three times. That’s how many spells Martin O’Neill has had in charge of Celtic.
O’Neill was reappointed until the end of the season following Wilfried Nancy’s sacking as he bids to restore all the hard work he saw undone in the matter of eight games.
The Northern Irishman is well-respected amongst the playing squad and will be in the dugout for the Dundee United game on Saturday.
It is also a chance for the players to redeem themselves after looking terrible under Nancy and try to stop Hearts from winning the league.
Not many thrived in the Frenchman’s setup, but there are some who will benefit from his departure. Here, 67 Hail Hail looks at the winners and losers from O’Neill’s return.
Tell us your starting XI for Martin O’Neill’s first game back
Winners from Martin O’Neill’s return to Celtic
Liam Scales
Liam Scales was named as 67 Hail Hail’s player of the year for 2025 after growing in stature and confidence.
However, under Nancy, he was cast aside and dropped to the bench after the first couple of games.
It seemed that the 48-year-old didn’t think he was capable of playing in the three-at-the-back formation, but O’Neill was a huge fan of the Republic of Ireland international. Expect to see him back in the side.
Colby Donovan
It’s hard to understand why the youngster hasn’t been given more of a chance.
The 19-year-old has become a fully-fledged member of the first-team and been one of the few that can hold his head up high.
Colby Donovan has pace, defensive qualities and a long-term option in that right-back slot. Now that the Hoops will revert back to the 4-3-3 formation, Donovan should be called upon once more.
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Losers from Martin O’Neill’s Celtic return
Julian Araujo
Poor Julian Araujo. No sooner after walking through the door, the person that signed him has left the building.
Araujo joined on loan from Bournemouth and made his debut against Rangers.
Signed to play in the 3-4-3 formation, he is still capable of slotting in as a right-back, but he has more to do in order to convince O’Neill that he is up to the task.
Anthony Ralston
Anthony Ralston has been in the firing line for some time and performances haven’t helped his cause.
In fairness, he has been playing out of position as a right centre-back in a back three formation.
However, when he played as a right-back under O’Neill, things weren’t much better and with Araujo in the building, Donovan ready and Alistair Johnston back before the end of the season, it’s hard to see where he fits in.
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