Celtic is entering a critical fortnight, and manager Martin O’Neill knows exactly where his focus will be this Monday night. Ahead of Celtic’s game at Easter Road against Hibs, O’Neill informed reporters that he will be attentively watching Hearts play host to Rangers at Tynecastle.
Celtic’s title fate rests on results they cannot control
O’Neill spoke candidly, expressing his disapproval of managers who treat these matches as inconsequential. He noted uncertainty about which result he prefers, stressing that Celtic’s performance is paramount and influences the overall situation.
While he humorously mentioned he wouldn’t go so far as to root for a Rangers goal, he acknowledged he would definitely be watching the game closely. O’Neill emphasized the importance for Celtic to concentrate on winning their own matches, suggesting that everything else will follow from that.
As it stands, Hearts lead the Premiership by three points over second-placed Celtic, with Rangers just one point behind in third. All three teams remain in contention with four games remaining. Meanwhile, Celtic has advanced to the Scottish Cup final following a decisive 6-2 victory against St Mirren, keeping their hopes for a domestic double alive—an achievement that seemed nearly out of reach a few months ago.
He remarked: (TCW) “Yeah, yeah. I know that some managers say, oh well, don’t bother, they’ll go for a walk or do something. No, I’m glued to it.
“Don’t you worry, I’ll be there. If you’re asking who I’m cheering on, I have no idea. Don’t even ask, I have no idea.
“Depending on how we do, I might, if we don’t win the game or lose the match, that becomes a different thought process, but at the end of it all, yeah, of course I’ll be watching because we have to play those teams.
“I might not go that far (cheering Rangers on for a goal)!”
Can Celtic actually win this title without beating Hearts or Rangers all season?