Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill is savoring what he calls “most likely” his final Old Firm showdown as his team seeks a victory over Rangers on Sunday to remain in the title race.
Preparing for his first derby at Celtic Park in 21 years, the veteran boss confirmed that influential forward Daizen Maeda is available to play after picking up a knock last weekend.
With three fixtures left, the defending champions trail Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts by three points, having a worse goal difference. Hearts visit Motherwell on Saturday, while Rangers are seven points off the top.
Having won the league in 13 of the past 14 seasons, O’Neill believes the fear of losing their crown is motivating his players.
“It’s not a position the club has found itself in recently,” the 74-year-old said. “Usually they’ve pulled clear with no real challenge. But this year there’s been plenty of opposition, not just from Rangers but also Hearts.
“So it’s a big change, something many of these players aren’t used to. You have to adapt. You’re chasing, and you must keep chasing.”
Last season’s top scorer Maeda, who has netted four times in the past three matches, finished last Sunday’s 2-1 win at Hibernian but limped off holding his boot.
“He’s fine, which is really good news,” O’Neill added. “He trained and had no reaction. He’s had a superb couple of weeks.”
This season, across two separate stints, O’Neill remains unbeaten in three meetings with Rangers, winning both cup ties after extra time and drawing at Ibrox in the league.
During his first spell at Celtic from 2000 to 2005, he recorded 16 derby wins, three draws, and eight losses. Celtic are on a four-match league winning streak, while Rangers have lost their last two games to fall behind. However, Rangers won their last visit to Celtic Park in January under Wilfried Nancy.
When asked about building momentum at the right time, O’Neill was cautious.
“I genuinely don’t know,” he said. “Our games have been tough, so I haven’t analyzed it much. We’ve just got over the line. But I think the Old Firm game takes care of itself.”
On his future, O’Neill replied “most likely” when asked if this would be his last derby.
Reflecting on the famous fixture, he added: “It’s the intensity and atmosphere, both at Celtic Park and Ibrox. It’s truly phenomenal. At Ibrox, when they scored twice early on, the place was rocking – it matches any atmosphere in Britain and probably Europe. And I think that could be echoed on Sunday.”
