Martin O’Neill will face a familiar figure in next month’s Scottish Cup final after Celtic came through a chaotic win over St Mirren at Hampden. The 6-2 scoreline only tells part of the story, but it sets up a meeting with Neil Lennon that goes beyond the usual final build-up.

O’Neill and Lennon go back a long way. Their time together at Leicester and then Celtic shaped both careers. That connection adds context, but it does not change the task ahead. Once the game starts, it becomes about how each side handles it.

19th April 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Football, Celtic versus St Mirren; Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon and Celtic interim manager Martin ONeill shake hands during the after match interviews

The difference points to what the final might look like. Celtic will have more of the ball. Dunfermline will look to stay compact and break when they can. It puts more focus on decision-making in possession and how quickly Celtic move the ball.

O’Neill said: (BBC Sport Scotland), “Yeah, I’ve just done an interview. He’s doing some punditry work.

“He should just be looking at his own team instead of doing the punditry work. Who am I to talk about that?

“But yeah, he’s been fantastic for me, both at Leicester and at Celtic. His record in management is really terrific and what a job he’s doing at Dunfermline to get to the final.

“No old pals act, that’s what it is. Yeah, great result for him yesterday. I’m just pleased that we’re in the final with him.

“Well, it’s only special if you win. I’ve been here in the losing final as well. So overall, you have to win.”

That last line brings it back to the game itself. The history between the two managers will be talked about, but it will not decide anything on the pitch. Lennon’s team will not open up easily, and Celtic will not get the same space they found late against St Mirren.

19th April 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Football, Celtic versus St Mirren; Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon and Celtic interim manager Martin ONeill share a joke during the after match tv interview

Selection will play a part. Celtic have options off the bench who can change games, as shown at Hampden. Timing those changes could be key if the match stays tight deep into the second half.

For O’Neill, the relationship is clear. Respect is there, but it stops there. Once the whistle goes, it is about winning the cup.

2 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.