Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has given his thoughts on Derek McInnes’ remarks about Hearts’ impressive start to the Scottish Premiership season, advising caution before suggesting the Jambos are ready to mount a title bid…
Hearts’ strong start to the season has sparked talk of a potential title challenge, especially amid crises’ at both Celtic and theRangers.
McInnes quick to temper expectations
Yet McInnes was quick to temper expectations over the weekend after their 3-0 victory at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock, noting the lengthy campaign ahead and the increased pressure on his players.
O’Neill recognised McInnes’ impressive work but shared his sentiment about staying grounded. He welcomed the added competition in the league but warned that it is too soon to view McInnes’ men as serious challengers.
The former Celtic manager offered a frank assessment, arguing that Celtic’s recent slip-ups have created an opportunity for others, while describing theRangers as a “basket case” following more dropped points in the league on Saturday at Ibrox, this time against Dundee United.
‘It’s great for Scottish football,’ Martin O’Neill
Speaking via talkSport, O’Neill said: “Listen, we’re eight games into the season. He said it himself, Derek. So, I think there’s a fair distance to go. I am surprised, I must admit. but it’s great. It’s great for Scottish football. Can they sustain it to the end of the season? I don’t know.”
“But Celtic’s results haven’t been terrific then, you know, and theRangers are well, (the)Rangers, they’re a basket case at the moment. It’s maybe, I will say that, it’s maybe.”
Brendan Rodgers’ side travel to Tynecastle on Sunday. Hearts have the opportunity to go EIGHT points clear of the Scottish champions with a victory. A defeat for Celtic this weekend would pile the pressure on the Hoops manager as he struggles to cope with an inferior squad to last season as Conall McGinty has pointed out today on The Celtic Star.
Celtic’s must in Europa League match against SK Sturm Graz
Before Hearts though, attention turns to tomorrow night’s must-win Europa League outing against SK Sturm Graz. Anything less than three points and a top 24 place will look increasingly unlikely.
The next six game games prior to the next international break could really make or break Celtic’s season. Given the results and performances in recent weeks, it appears things will get worse before they get better. Let’s hope that is not the case.
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties in Two Volumes – Brilliantly researched and written by Matt Corr. An unmissable addition to any Celtic bookshelf. Click on the image below to order your copies…
