Celtic head to Easter Road with plenty on the line. It is almost certainly Martin O’Neill’s final match as interim boss, with Wilfried Nancy expected to arrive in the coming days.

O’Neill and Shaun Maloney have steadied the ship after a turbulent four weeks. Sunday always looked like a meaningful finale. Now it feels bigger.

Hearts dropped points again on Saturday, held 0-0 by Motherwell at Fir Park. That result could put Celtic on a trajectory to the top of the SPFL. The table looks different tonight. A win in the capital would move Celtic to within two points of Derek McInnes’ side.

Celtic FC vs St Mirren Martin O’Neill
22nd November 2025; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Celtic interim manager Martin ONeill

The backdrop makes it all the more striking. When Brendan Rodgers walked out, Celtic were eight points adrift and sliding. European disappointment stacked on top of domestic inconsistency, and supporters feared the season was heading for a write-off. O’Neill brought calm and clarity. Results improved. Confidence returned. The gap shrank.

Now it can almost disappear. If Celtic beat Hibernian on Sunday, then win their game in hand, they could take a big step in going top of the Premiership before Christmas. That would have sounded fanciful during the angst of October. It is also the kind of opportunity that can change the course of a season.

There is a familiar caution. Easter Road is rarely easy for Celtic. The atmosphere, the frantic pace, and Hibs’ habit of finding a higher level at home against Celtic have caused problems more than once. Nothing is a formality, and the support knows it.

2nd November 2025; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premier Sports Cup semi final, Rangers versus Celtic; Celtic interim manager Martin ONeill

For O’Neill, the day carries personal weight. He has handled the reins with professionalism and pride. A strong performance in what is likely his final outing would be a fitting close to an unexpected return to the dugout.

Celtic now have a chance to turn a chaotic month into a launchpad. A win in Leith would set the stage for Nancy to inherit a team right back in the fight. The momentum is real. For the first time in a while, the league table offers encouragement rather than anxiety. It is up to them to take it.

1 COMMENT

  1. Now if only those little empty heads masquerading as Celtic supporters could either get behind the team and club, or behind bars where many of them deserve to be, we’ll be fine.
    Let the real Celtic fans do what we do best and support the team AND the club.

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