Former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill mastered the art of winning the Scottish Premiership title in his five excellent years at Parkhead.
Three league winners’ medals symbolise the power of his reign in Glasgow’s east end, complemented by a trio of Scottish Cup trophies, one Scottish League Cup and our famed run to the UEFA Cup final circa 2003.
In short, O’Neill has seen it all at Celtic, and his opinion ranks among the highest regarded by the wider support whenever he is asked about his old club in media circles.
The Bhoys have been Scotland’s dominant side in every metric of the domestic game, which is a legacy the 72-year-old had a major role in establishing by laying the foundations for our unprecedented success.
Of course, we now have Brendan Rodgers at the helm, who is someone the ex-Republic of Ireland boss endorsed once his return was confirmed last summer, stating: “Why not? When Brendan left the football club, some fans weren’t happy, so he has to overcome that.
“I think he knows that himself. But like anything else, you start winning football matches; that’s forgotten. The sooner you win the games, the better.”
Both men have trod similar managerial paths, sharing a spell at Leicester City apiece, cultivating impressive Premier League CVs and enjoying an era of dominance in charge of Celtic.
With five Scottish Premiership matches left to play this term, Rodgers’ men sit four points ahead of Rangers, and, hopefully, he can guide the Bhoys to two pieces of silverware once the campaign ends.
Martin O’Neill makes feelings known on Celtic title boost
As we all know, Celtic received a shot in the arm regarding their title hopes last weekend following their comprehensive victory over St Mirren, as Rangers were beaten 3-2 by Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium the following day.
Speaking live on talkSPORT, O’Neill believes our rivals’ result has given Rodgers and company an ‘incredible boost’ in their fight to secure a third consecutive Scottish Premiership crown.
He stated after being asked if Celtic have Rangers’ number by Jim White: “I don’t think that would be entering Celtic’s heads, and it wouldn’t be. If I were Brendan, I wouldn’t be thinking that at all.”
O’Neill then added: “What a boost that was for them yesterday! I’ve done this before: tentatively switched on the TV, found Rangers a goal in front, wrapped it up, left it. And then to come back and find out, they’ve won the game (Ross County), its incredible, an incredible boost for Celtic.
“That boost psychologically, with so few games left, it could be massive.”
Celtic will know the significance of events yesterday; however, we need to hammer that home by claiming a maximum points return from our remaining five fixtures.
Granted, some of the permutations surrounding potential title glory have decompressed ever so slightly, though Rangers will be just one point behind if they see off Dundee, signifying that nothing is set in stone and complacency isn’t an option.