Martin O'Neill: Title race could be over if Celtic avoid Old Firm defeat
O'Neill thinks a point against Rangers could be enough for the Hoops
Last updated 30th Mar 2022
Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill believes that if his former club can avoid defeat to Rangers at Ibrox this weekend, then the title race could be over.
Celtic are currently three points ahead of Rangers with just seven games left to play and have a 14 goal advantage over their rivals.
The Hoops were 3-0 victors when the teams met at the start of February and have not lost a domestic game since September, although they were beaten 1-0 at Ibrox a month prior.
O'Neill, now retired from management, sees this game as crucial in the title race.
He exclusively told Clyde 1 Superscoreboard: “The pressure is definitely on Rangers.
"They are unlikely to claw back that goal difference in the number of matches left, so it looks like a four point difference. So really, Rangers have got to win this game.
"If Celtic come out of this match unscathed then you'd have to say they really are in pole position. If Celtic go and win the game, which I'm sure is in Postecoglou's mind, you'd have to think their position is very strong indeed."
O'Neill praised the Gers run in the Europa League, with the Ibrox side at the quarter final stage.
However, he claims that progression in Europe can hinder domestic success, which would be of further benefit to Celtic.
He said: "They've (Rangers) all these things to contend with, playing every Sunday then Thursday. Obviously with these matches there's more chance of you picking up injuries.
"You'd have to say that is a massive advantage to Celtic in terms of concerns about injuries."
O'Neill also praised the job that manager Ange Postecoglou is doing at the club.
The Northern Irishman drew comparisons between this campaign and his first season at the club, when he lifted the treble in 2001: "I think he has done wonderfully well.
"He came in and had a difficult time, a tough beginning. When you are under pressure early on, particularly at a club like Celtic, you might have to change your principles.
"He has stuck to his task and there is a good old style about it as well. I have the utmost regard for him.
"When I went up myself at the turn of the century we had to turn around a 21 point deficit.
"We beat Rangers after about five games, 6-2, in a big match. The more I think about it, maybe it was a watershed moment because we got confidence from winning that game.
"When we won the treble it was terrific. It was great to know it was the first time since the immortal Jock Stein had done it. For Postecoglou to be contemplating that in his first year is a terrific effort."
Celtic face Rangers at midday on Sunday.