O'Neill Addresses Hibs Fans' Sentiments Ahead of Celtic Clash
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has expressed understanding of why some Hibernian supporters might be reluctant to see their Edinburgh rivals, Hearts, win the Scottish Premiership. However, he does not anticipate that this sentiment will influence Celtic's upcoming match at Easter Road on Sunday.
The defending champions currently trail league leaders Hearts by three points but have the opportunity to draw level with a victory against Hibs before Rangers face Hearts on Monday.
"I can maybe understand that, that maybe some Hibs fans wouldn't want Hearts to win the league but that won't cross over, one to the team selection, two to the coaching staff,"
O'Neill stated.
"I think they would be more invigorated by news of that. If I could call upon some Hibs fans to refrain from that, that would help."
He further added:
"I'm quite sure here something similar, some Celtic fans might not want our closest rivals, in terms of not too far away, to win the league as well too, so I don't know."
Recent Performances and Upcoming Fixtures
Last weekend, O'Neill's Celtic put pressure on the top two by securing a home victory against Falkirk on Saturday. Meanwhile, Rangers slipped to third after a loss to Motherwell at Ibrox on Sunday, and Hearts defeated Hibs at Easter Road.
"It's only an advantage if you win,"
O'Neill remarked.
"We were able to overcome Falkirk, which was great.
There is a sense as well that you've done that job for the weekend and then you just sit back.
So, mostly up until the Falkirk game, we've been the one that's been playing afterwards and trying to catch up."
When asked if he would follow Monday's Hearts versus Rangers game, O'Neill responded:
"I'm glued to it, don't you worry, I'll be there.
If you're asking who I'll be cheering on, I've no idea.
Of course, I'll be watching because we have to play those teams."
Player Updates
Regarding player fitness, right-back Alistair Johnston, who has missed most of the season due to hamstring issues but made a substitute appearance against Falkirk, has completed a full week of training.
"That's encouraging,"
O'Neill said of the Canada international.
"We're pretty good. We're OK, nothing new."
