Celtic’s new interim manager Martin O’Neill publicly backed Hearts to win the Premiership just hours before being confirmed as Brendan Rodgers’ short-term replacement.
Speaking on TalkSport earlier in the day, before Celtic officially announced his return alongside Shaun Maloney, O’Neill praised Derek McInnes’ side and claimed this could finally be the year a team outside the Old Firm lifts the title.
“Hearts are a different kettle of fish here, they are strong, they have got a bit of backing,” O’Neill said.
“They are physically strong, and that has been a concern of mine for some time about Celtic. Celtic can still play some beautiful football, but you’ve got to add to that by being a bit physical.”
O’Neill didn’t stop there, doubling down on his belief that Hearts are in a prime position to cause a shock.
“Without a doubt we’re in pole position to see a disruptor — this is it.
Celtic at this minute are not physically strong, and can actually lose games, unlike before when they looked invincible.
Rangers are no threat whatsoever.This is the moment, this is the time now for Hearts. They have gone eight points clear at this minute and that is a decent enough lead.
This is the best time for any side outside the Old Firm to go and win.”
O’Neill, who famously led Celtic to treble glory during his first spell in charge in the early 2000s, now finds himself back in the Parkhead dugout, but with his own pre-appointment remarks painting a less-than-flattering picture of the current squad.
He’ll need to quickly change that tune — and Celtic’s fortunes — as he and Maloney prepare to lead the Hoops against Falkirk on Wednesday night.
It will be no easy task on Wednesday. The bairns are in some good form themselves, and they will fancy their chances.
He was last in management in 2019, with Nottingham Forest, just five months before he was sacked. Roy Keane was his assistant.
The legendary manager has a mighty job on his hands at Celtic.
