Celtic Clinches Thrilling Title as Martin O’Neill Reflects on ‘Dream’ Comeback
Martin O’Neill expressed that winning the William Hill Premiership felt “like a dream” after his Celtic side secured a dramatic victory over Hearts in the final moments of the season. The 74-year-old manager, who previously led Celtic to three league titles in the early 2000s, returned to the club amid turmoil following the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy. Celtic had been trailing Hearts since September but completed a remarkable comeback, finishing with a 3-1 win, thanks to late goals from Daizen Maeda and substitute Callum Osmond. The match saw Lawrence Shankland score first for Hearts, but Arne Engels equalized just before halftime. O’Neill described the experience as surreal, stating, “Lifting the trophy was the best feeling in the world. There is nothing like that.” He noted the challenges the team faced throughout the season, including coaching changes and a five-point deficit at the start of April. Key highlights from O’Neill’s comments include: Celtic finished the season with seven consecutive league wins. O’Neill acknowledged the team’s resilience, stating, “For all the tactics in the world, it is about heart.” He felt confident only when Osmand scored the final goal, marking a thrilling end to the season. O’Neill praised Hearts for their impressive performance throughout the year, indicating they deserved recognition for their efforts. Looking ahead, O’Neill hinted that the upcoming Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline might be his last match in charge, suggesting that the season's challenges have taken a toll on him.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-05-16