Celtic legend Martin O'Neill has admitted that the huge game on Sunday against Rangers will likely be the last time he takes charge of a Glasgow derby. There have been rumours that he could remain in the Parkhead dugout going into next season; however, he seems to be officially stating that he will not take charge.
Speaking before the match, he said: "I would say most likely [Sunday's derby will be my last]."
O'Neill knows how big Sunday's game is. It's a huge occasion, and a win keeps Celtic in the title race. Anything else, and it could be disastrous for the Hoops. Rangers are wounded going into this game after being all but knocked out of the race after their defeat to Hearts, but the manager won't underestimate them.
O'Neill said: "You would have to say it's out of Rangers' hands. 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 a derby 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."
Speaking about the unity inside of Celtic Park and if it makes a difference, he said: "I probably played it down, maybe I wasn't sure when I came in here first of all.
"There was a bit of ill-feeling at the time, and there didn't seem a united football club. I wasn't sure if it affected the likes of Maeda and Hatate and things like that.
"There's no doubt about it, the crowd in full voice cheering the team on, even allowing for mistakes, has been very positive and I think it's rubbed off on the players."
Jens Berthel Askou likely to replace O'Neill
With O'Neill leaving in the summer, it seems that Jens Berthel Askou will take over as Celtic manager. Some fans have been doubting his ability to do the job well, but with every day that passes, interest remains, and it was revealed this week that he is extremely keen on giving it a shot.
He has done a fantastic job with Motherwell this season, and his team could help Celtic out on Saturday, with them set to face Hearts at Fir Park. If they steal any points from the Jambos, that hands the Hoops an advantage if they can make it to the last day of the season with two victories in hand.
As we all know with football, everything can change, so although Berthel Askou seems all but confirmed to step into the Parkhead dugout, we never know until it's confirmed. Interest remains in Robbie Keane, and another contender could pop up at any moment.
For now, only one thing is certain. O'Neill has pretty much confirmed he will be stepping aside, so let's hope we can end the season with a trophy in hand.
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