🔗 Share this article

Seventy three. This isn't only the age of Martin O'Neill, but also around the same number of occasions he told his unveiling press conference that he was merely a temporary solution for Celtic.

Following an impressive 4-0 victory over Falkirk, that represented his debut match as the Celtic head coach after 20 years, he repeated this message again. If there was a shred of uncertainty.

Yet soccer has a way of doing strange things with emotions, doesn't it?

The sight of O'Neill standing celebrating by the pitch brings back memories of past glories, but fans witnessed signs in a comprehensive win suggesting O'Neill's winning formula has already showing results.

"I was anxious before the game, though that's just a trait for me," the manager told the media.

"This relates to do with my significant confidence struggles."

The team displayed some delightful stuff

In the end, fans saw little cause for concern during an evening during which anxiety and nervousness among supporters backing the Hoops was limited to pre-match.

Brendan Rodgers' sudden leave earlier this week was a bombshell, but nothing matched the nuclear load made by major shareholder Dermot Desmond 15 minutes afterwards.

The fallout failed to dissuade supporters voicing discontent against the board outside Celtic Park, an action that has turned into common place lately.

The owner was even present for this one, such was the significance of the occasion.

The interim role proved interesting. The team boast a team which should be able of beating almost all opponents in the Premiership, yet they approached the fixture eight points off the top in the table and lacking self-belief.

Although having only been in the door barely one day while missing team preparation, the manager imposed his style in this game.

Veteran winger James Forrest was included for the under-performing the Japanese midfielder, the defender was restored into the defence, and the full-back replaced the unavailable Tierney.

After 45 minutes, The Hoops overcome several defensive scares ending 2-0 up|ahead by two|leading comfortably through Johnny Kenny.

The visitors' danger disintegrated while the Glasgow side clutched the game completely by the throat when Nygren along with Tounekti completed an emphatic performance.

"I'm very pleased to secure victory the game the fashion we achieved it," commented the manager.

"I trust some of our squad have played on Wednesday are experienced enough to recognize my history, some of recent signings I'm not completely certain. They see this man stepping into the dressing room and question 'what's happening with us?'.

"I'm satisfied, happy in the sense I thought the display excellently. My worry has calmed a bit."

Next up... Rangers

The Edinburgh club's tie away from home, combined with the Hoops' success, reduces the gap at the top in the league by six points.

The performance was routine, but in the wake of the week the title holders have had, just the necessary outcome.

Immediately ahead lies a entirely tougher test, with Rangers plus a Scottish League Cup last-four clash lying in wait in Glasgow on Sunday.

Celtic entered the fixture with an intent. There's been glimpses of that, however not with anywhere near level of commitment shown before before the current term.

Twenty-six shots were aimed towards the opposition net on Wednesday, eleven reached the goal, two hit the frame. The team completed 119 precise offensive passes, also.

In Kenny, they have a striker who is grasping the chance given to him.

His brace were instinctive, while a third ought to have been completed after the break.

"Such approach has existed with Celtic over a considerable time," the manager shared with Celtic TV.

"Sometimes we passed and we used it too rapidly."

"Ultimately, despite being my experience I'm discovering regarding the squad. I'm seeing a few of our players possess quality."

The temporary boss joked before the match that if this game doesn't go to plan, he wouldn't be in charge for Sunday.

Therefore, objective achieved. Assuming he manages his next one, O'Neill will likely face questions regarding {his future plans|his long-term intentions|what