Gordon Strachan has revealed his true thoughts on Martin O'Neill's return to management, praising the head coach for his personal drive.
Since returning to the Parkhead dugout, O'Neill has led the Celts to 22 wins in 29 games across all competitions. He managed to steady the ship twice, after Brendan Rodgers' shock resignation and then Wilfried Nancy's disastrous 33-day tenure. He deserves his flowers, and Strachan wasted no time in giving them to him.
However, he also admitted that watching O'Neill take charge once again hasn't made him want to follow in the legend's footsteps.
Speaking to talkSPORT, and quoted by Celts are Here, he said: "The exact opposite [if O’Neill’s success has made him keen to return to management].
"You know, me and Martin are the best of mates.
"I am looking and thinking, ‘What are you doing?’ He’s still doing the bumbling fool act after games, but he knows exactly what he is up to.
"I know more about football now than I ever did. But I don’t have the anger or the drive to do it again. Martin is digging it out from somewhere.
"I have no idea where he digs it out from, this drive to keep going, but I am wishing him all the best."
Not long left with O'Neill
We don't have a long time left with O'Neill, and it'll be sad to see him go. There will also be a hint of excitement though, with a brand new manager to follow shortly after.
Hopefully, O'Neill can end his return with a trophy. The title race in the Scottish Premiership is incredibly tight, with Celtic, Rangers and Hearts being in a three-way battle for the league, but if anyone can do it, it's him.
His team showed that they can really perform when they bagged six against St Mirren on Sunday. That ensured that the team secured their place in the final of the Scottish Cup, which will see O'Neill go head-to-head with Neil Lennon in what could be his last ever game.
It wouldn't surprise fans if he returned in some capacity, despite leaving the job of manager. There have been reports that the club would consider putting him in a higher role, but whether anything will come from that is yet to be seen. He is clearly eager to help the club, and he would be welcomed in with open arms, as he was when he stepped back into the dugout.
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