“The players response has been terrific,” Martin O’Neill

Celtic’s interim manager Martin O’Neill spoke to the media at Easter Road this afternoon after his side defeated Hibs 2-1 move to just two points behind Hearts with the Champions also having a game in hand. Here’s everything that was said…

Q: Not quite your last game, but what did you make of it?

Martin O’Neill: “I thought the game went maybe the way I thought it might go. I thought that we would lose energy in the second half, and we played some great stuff in the first half. And the second goal was just the way that I think we played against Feyenoord, as well. Some lovely moves, maybe the third goal just before half-time would have been great, the one that we hit the post with.”

“But second half, Hibs came roaring back, got the penalty, we were on the back foot. But we dug it out, and that was the most important thing. And just to win here was great, particularly after the exertions of Thursday night. And to see it through, we were definitely, the last ten minutes we were probably out on our feet really. But, you know, great. So, couldn’t obviously be more pleased with the team. They’ve shown some resilience as well as been able to play some decent football. Well, more than decent.”

Q: How do you handle this situation where suddenly you find out you’re in charge for another game?

Martin O’Neill: “Yeah, that was a wee bit strange I must admit, you know. So, I had a joke up there about saying, whatever is happening to the paperwork, I have no idea, maybe I’m hiding it! You must be bored asking me about the questions. So, it was a strange thing because I only found out yesterday. I genuinely thought this was my last game.”

Q: Your legacy is intact from what had gone before?

Martin O’Neill:  “I’ve said this to you before, the legacy does not worry me a jot. What worried me was coming and failing here, really failing, like everything, you know. And that could have happened. So, players, backroom staff have been terrific for me. And I know I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating. If you’re talking about legacies, Jock Stein, the rest of us will just follow along.”

Q: But does it please you, though, because there’s a fear of failure? It must please you personally.

Martin O’Neill: “Of course, and I’m delighted. I’m delighted to have got the opportunity. Did I think about it at the time? Yeah, I did. You’re concerned about coming back. You haven’t been properly in the game for some time. You haven’t thought like a manager. You haven’t done any of those particular things for some years.

“And, of course, the general view is today that it’s a young man’s game and that managers who might have some experience would maybe consider themselves old-fashioned in many aspects. I was blessed coming in here with young men that I managed, believe it or not. They’ve all become excellent coaches. They’ve been great to me, and they’ve been great for me. So, I can’t ask for any more. The players response has been terrific. Really, really terrific. Particularly if you think about the Feyenoord game. But this, to me, this game is more important.”

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