Celtic declare what they can't afford to do in title race vs Hearts as Martin O'Neill admits playing catch up
The Celtic boss has reacted after going within a point of Hearts in the Premiership title race.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill insists his side are still playing catch up as they race Hearts for the Premiership title
The second-placed Hoops have given themselves a boost over hopes of catching top of the table Hearts by defeating Rangers 3-1 on Sunday, going a point away from first. Derek McInnes’ Jambos drew 1-1 with Motherwell the day previous and they will end the term at home to Falkirk and then a possible final day shootout at Parkhead for title glory.
A first top flight success since 1960 can be sealed for the Tynecastle club on Wednesday if they defeat the Bairns and Celtic lose to Motherwell. O’Neill has been elected manager on two occasions after Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy’s exits, and while happy with the win, admits a game of catch up still needs played out amid a turbulent Celtic season.
Martin O’Neill on Celtic 3-1 Rangers
He said: ”It was really, obviously, important to win the game. Great fightback by the players and lovely to win. Played some really great stuff, strange enough so did Rangers as well too, so the first half was just really hectic. It was one of those, you have the ball, they have the ball, you have it, they have it and they made the most of it. So, coming from behind today was great for us.
“You have to win football matches here, you have to dig it out, and people were talking about the four goals that we scored in extra time in the Scottish Cup semi final against St Mirren being part of the Celtic thing. But we've had to work for that. We've really had to work for it. This is the whole point.
“And today, I thought there was some fabulous stuff being played. The crowd, of course, played a big part. I thought they were really terrific. They carried us along at a time when Rangers were in the ascendancy.
Will Hearts or Celtic win the Premiership?
“The criticism I'm not worried about. It would be nice to start a season, get your own thoughts together, your own plans, all that type of stuff. Lay out plans for the whole season. It wasn't to be and we've been playing catch-up, that's the thing. We're still playing catch-up. So, I don't know, maybe they might extend the season for us to catch-up.
“We have to win. We have no grounds for dropping points, we can't afford to do it. I would just expect Hearts to win their game. So, we've got a really difficult match at Motherwell. Really difficult and I couldn't even think about the following game until that match is played. Really difficult, as was proved on Saturday night.
“People have said to me about momentum. I think momentum can get shifted at any given moment. We're doing fine, really doing fine, in the games. We're just trying to find a way to win. Sunday is obviously special against Rangers, it is, but it's eventually in the scheme of things just three points. We can look no further than Wednesday.”
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