Martin O’Neill Predicts ‘Twists And Turns’ In Title Race

Martin O’Neill knows exactly what Celtic are facing as they head to Dens Park, with the title race tightening and little margin for slip-ups. The hoops sit five points behind Hearts and two behind Rangers.

The defeat before the international break didn’t just dent momentum, it kept Celtic in the same position they’ve been in for a while now. They’re still chasing. Every game is about closing that gap rather than building one.

That changes the feel of matches like this. An away trip to Dundee becomes more than routine. The points matter more because there are fewer chances left to make them up elsewhere.

O’Neill has seen enough title run-ins to know how quickly things can turn, but he also knows Celtic need to do their part first before looking at anyone else.

He said: (Sky Sports Scotland), “Oh, it’s a massive challenge, yeah, of course.

“It is a challenge, but it’s a challenge worth taking on. I think that’s been the case. We lost ground a fortnight ago, that’s what happened.

“But there will be twists and turns in it. Now, of course, I think I’ve said to you umpteen times really, we’ve been trying to play catch-up certainly since the second time that I’ve come in. And so it’s been like that there the whole time.

“So I think it will remain like that there for some considerable time.

“All I do know is that it’s a very, very, very important game for us on Sunday.”

That’s the reality of it. Celtic can’t afford to drift through games now. Dundee will make it a battle, especially on their own ground, and that’s where Celtic have struggled at times this season.

It’s about handling that side of the game first. Winning duels, dealing with second balls, and not letting the match get away from them.

Then comes the quality. When chances come, they need to be taken. That’s been the difference in games where points have been dropped.

There’s still time. But not much of it.