O'Neill Says Hibs V Celtic Won't Change Celtic Team Plans
Martin O'Neill said hibs v celtic will not be shaped by what Hibernian supporters think about Hearts, even with Celtic a chance to draw level on points with the Scottish Premiership leaders on Sunday at Easter Road. The Celtic manager said that feeling in the home crowd will not reach his team selection or coaching staff.
O'Neill On Easter Road
“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 said that before Celtic's trip to Easter Road, where the defending champions can cut the gap to Hearts to three points if they win.
He also said some Hibs supporters may be “more invigorated” by Hearts' place at the top of the table. “If I could could call upon some Hibs fans to refrain from that, that would help,” he said, before adding, “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.”
Hearts, Rangers And Celtic
The weekend sequence gives Celtic a direct stake in what happens around them. They beat Falkirk at home on Saturday, and O'Neill said after that win: “It's only an advantage if you win,” and “We were able to overcome Falkirk, which was great.”
He will be watching Monday's Hearts v Rangers match closely. “I'm glued to it, don't you worry, I'll be there,” he said. “If you're asking who I'll be cheering on, I've no idea.” He added: “Of course, I'll be watching because we have to play those teams.”
Johnston Back In Training
Alistair Johnston has also had a full week's training after missing most of the season with hamstring issues, and he came off the bench against Falkirk. O'Neill said, “That's encouraging,” with the Canada international now giving Celtic another option before Sunday.
That adds another layer to a match Celtic can use to draw level on points with Hearts, while Rangers visit the leaders on Monday. O'Neill's message was simple: the atmosphere around Easter Road may be noisy, but Celtic's decisions will stay inside the dressing room.
