Martin O’Neill has been around too long to walk into a title race trap. With Celtic heading to Fir Park tonight knowing a win would set up a final-day title shootout against Hearts at Celtic Park, the noise around the champions has shifted again.
Derek McInnes has been happy to push the idea that Celtic are now favourites, with Hearts’ weekend slip against Motherwell opening the door for O’Neill’s side after weeks of the Tynecastle club holding the stronger hand.
But O’Neill was having none of it.
Hearts have held their own all season, have led this race deep into the run-in, and have been widely viewed as favourites in recent weeks. Celtic’s 3-1 win over Rangers gave the Hoops momentum, while Hearts dropping points last weekend changed the feel of the race.
It did not, however, change O’Neill’s message.
Asked about Celtic being favourites, the interim boss made it clear that he does not see the title race that way.
O’Neill told SunSport: “I don’t agree Celtic are now favourites. I genuinely don’t see it like that.
“Our fixture against Motherwell is extremely difficult and you would think that, if you were looking at it from the other viewpoint.
“We have to win the game and winning at Fir Park is not easy. Motherwell also have something to play for, so it will be difficult.”
That is exactly the sort of grounded message Celtic need before kick-off.
The equation is simple, but the task is not. Celtic need to beat Motherwell tonight and then beat Hearts on the final day if the title is to return to Parkhead. In theory, that sounds clean. In reality, it means navigating two high-pressure fixtures against sides with plenty to play for.
O’Neill understands that better than most.
He added: “I know it seems an easy equation, today we just need to win our two games. I would have taken that after we lost to Dundee United, of course.
“I say that because it’s in our own hands, but the two games happen to be extremely difficult.”
That reference to Dundee United is important. Celtic looked miles away from being in control after that setback. The season appeared to be slipping and Hearts had the advantage.
Now, somehow, Celtic have dragged themselves back into a position where their fate is in their own hands.
That does not make them favourites. It makes them alive.
O’Neill will know exactly what McInnes is doing. Hearts would love Celtic to carry the weight of expectation into Fir Park. They would love the narrative to become about Celtic having it all to lose.
But the reality is Celtic still have work to do before they can even think about Saturday.
Motherwell have already shown they can damage this title race. They will not roll over at Fir Park, and Celtic’s away support will know the tension around this game is enormous.
O’Neill’s job is to keep the dressing room away from the noise. No favourites tag and no looking beyond Motherwell.
Just win tonight and take it to Celtic Park.
A very tough game tonight and if and only if we win just as tough a game against Hearts. It is simple though. Two wins required, nothing less will do
If we tie and they win, does it not give u a chance to win it on GD
SMSM now pushing the narrative that Hearts have beaten Celtic twice this season so winning the league is only a formality now…..
Eeerrrrr, the Jambo’s recent away record stands at 1 win in 6 games (against a 9 man Hibs team) and more importantly they are not playing a Nancy – Celtic team, they are up against a O’Neill – Celtic team, totally different scenario and McInness knows it…….
HH