O'Neill drops clue on Celtic future in answer to Rangers poser

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill <i>(Image: Andrew Milligan)</i>
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill (Image: Andrew Milligan)
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Martin O'Neill has dropped a massive hint he will not be staying on as Celtic manager by admitting Sunday's Old Firm derby is likely to be his last.

The 74-year-old will be looking for his men to avoid defeat against Rangers on Sunday in order to stay close to league leaders Hearts, who are in action the night before at Motherwell.

This season, O'Neill has guided Celtic to a penalties win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup, an extra-time victory in the League Cup and a draw in the league. Their only defeat in the fixture came under Wilfried Nancy.

However, this one is likely to be his last derby in charge as he looks likely to move on a the end of the season. Some had mooted an extended stay given the impact he has had.

"I would say most likely," O'Neill said when asked if Sundays will be his last derby."

On what he would miss about the unique fixture, he added: "Just the intensity and the atmosphere itself, both at Celtic and at Ibrox. It really is phenomenal. The atmosphere at Ibrox particularly in the first game where they scored two early on in the match and the place was really rocking, compares to any atmosphere in Britain and probably in Europe. I think that could be echoed on Sunday."



Meanwhile, O'Neill had admitted Rangera are pretty much out of the title race but doesn't think that will have a bearing on their motivation for the game.

"You would have to say it's out of Rangers' hands," the veran boss said. "That's the only thing that's changed.

"That's not to say that you would rule them out. But at this minute with games running out, it's out of their hands.

"It's an Old Firm game so regardless of what the result was before, I think it'll be a strong Rangers side and a big reaction, so we've got to be ready for that.

"The place will be rocking, there seems a bit of unison within the club at the moment which is good news. The players have fed on that, so it'll be strong."

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