Celtic’s season has felt like a rollercoaster that refuses to slow down. Fans have endured patchy form, surprise defeats, and a squad riddled with injuries.
The Hoops, once so dominant, have looked vulnerable at times, leaving the Scottish Premiership title hanging in the balance. Every week has been a test, and every game a chance for dreams to slip away.
Yet, even amid the turmoil, one name keeps the doubters awake at night: Martin O’Neill. His return to the dugout hasn’t erased the challenges, but it has provided a steadying hand in a campaign that has tested Celtic’s very foundation.
Opponents know that no matter the injuries, no matter the statistics, O’Neill’s influence cannot be underestimated.
Derek McInnes, the man guiding Hearts to the summit, knows this more than most. Even as his own team enjoys a lead in the title race, he refuses to write off Celtic. The Hoops may appear beaten on paper, but McInnes sees the invisible edge O’Neill brings to his squad.
“One hundred per cent. You wouldn’t discount a Martin O’Neill Celtic team at any juncture,” McInnes said.
“They’re a good side, they’ve got good players and they’ve been over the course. I think they’ve got a fantastic manager. It was obviously a blow for them losing at Tannadice, but there’s still a lot of football to be played and I think anybody ruling Celtic out would be foolish.”
Those words carry weight, because this isn’t just about points or fixtures. Celtic’s season has been punctuated by two managerial interventions, squad injuries, and unpredictable performances.
To claw back into the title race, they must win all seven remaining games and hope that Hearts or Rangers slip. The task is enormous, but the possibility remains.
And the fixtures ahead only intensify the pressure. Both Hearts and Rangers are yet to visit Celtic Park after the split. This is where the real drama lies: Celtic have not beaten either of their rivals this season. To most, this would be a clear signal that the title is beyond reach. But McInnes sees something different.
“Their record may not be perfect, but never discount a team led by a manager like O’Neill,” he explains.
“Experience, understanding of pressure, and the ability to get the best out of players—these are things you cannot measure in stats.”
The weekend is set to be pivotal. Rangers host Dundee United on Saturday, Hearts travel to Livingston, and Celtic face Dundee at Dens Park on Easter Sunday.
One misstep could unravel the Hoops’ faint title hopes. Yet with O’Neill at the helm, they remain a threat—a reminder that in football, resilience often trumps expectation.
No matter the odds, Celtic’s story isn’t over. With seven games left, every pass, every tackle, every decision will carry weight. And as McInnes wisely notes, writing them off now would be a mistake that even the boldest pundit might regret.