O'Neill praises Celtic squad for excellent comeback

Martin O'Neill commended the Celtic players for their excellent comeback as he geared up for what is certain to be his last match at the helm.

The 73 year old anticipates that Wilfried Nancy will step in between the upcoming home fixtures versus Dundee and Hearts this week.

O'Neill, who once managed Leicester and Celtic, had openly doubted the fitness levels of the Scottish title holders just before accepting the temporary position in late October, feeling they were slipping in the championship pursuit following losses to Dundee and Hearts.

Nevertheless, O'Neill now aims to secure a seventh victory in eight outings on Wednesday and position Celtic favourably in the Scottish Premiership contest.

"The positive aspect about the players is their strong reaction," he remarked. "They have demonstrated a readiness to adopt certain elements I consider vital to the sport.

"They have performed superbly and I cannot commend them enough.

"Yet we have one final match ahead. For me personally. They face major crucial encounters and those fixtures matter greatly to them, but their comeback has been outstanding."

O'Neill achieved notable triumphs in his initial tenure as Celtic manager from 2000 to 2005. The Northern Irishman came back to Parkhead last month after Brendan Rodgers stepped down due to strained ties with primary owner Dermot Desmond.

"Observing Celtic from a distance, one develops views on the players, yet working directly with them reveals a different perspective, for better or worse," O'Neill stated.

He was set to hand over to Nancy post Sunday's clash with Hibernian until administrative issues postponed the French coach's move from Columbus Crew.

Speaking before the Dundee encounter, O'Neill noted: "You will be glad to hear that this is absolutely the end for Wednesday night. The board has confirmed it to me.

"The incoming manager will arrive. I am unclear on the timeline, but I know this is unquestionably my final game.

"A young coach is taking charge and it is his responsibility now. Still, we have this significant match and naturally, I would prefer to win if possible.

"It will prove challenging. Dundee beat us a couple of weeks back, so we face a tough task."