Former Premier League stalwart Gareth Barry has not ruled out the prospect of his former boss Martin O’Neill steering Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title…
Barry – who recently lost his record as the league’s all-time appearance holder to James Milner – spent four years under O’Neill during their time together at Aston Villa.
Despite a well-documented rift in 2009 following a collapsed transfer to Liverpool, the ex-England midfielder still maintains a strong level of respect for the current interim Celtic manager.
Speaking via Glasgow Times, Barry said: “You look at the business end of the season, and the players and sometimes the manager that’s been there before just swing it in your advantage.
“But yeah, it’s just a different feeling this year with Hearts in the mix. It’s great to watch, and I think it’s attracted a lot more attention with people wanting to watch a bit more of the Scottish league. Neutrals will definitely be wanting to see Hearts get over the line.
“Celtic, I’m not surprised by the bounce they had with Martin because I know the way he manages. He’ll come in and bring the confidence back to everyone and get a team that’s settled rather than make loads of changes, get everyone in their right positions, and just simplify things,” Barry said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish strongly and nick it from the other two. The experience he’s got there, been there and done it, will give him a little edge over the other two managers.”
Celtic are set for a trip to Dens Park tomorrow afternoon, where they will face Steven Pressley’s tricky Dundee side, coming just a fortnight after the Hoops suffered a a 2-0 defeat to their city rivals at Tannadice.
There is now no room for error for O’Neill’s men. Anything less than a victory at the weekend would probably put the nail in the coffin for Celtic’s title aspirations.
Conor Spence
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