Martin O’Neill’s Big Revelation Ahead Of Post-Split Phase: Can Celtic Defy The Odds?

The Northern Irishman noted that the sheer volume of games and the massive amount of stoppage time in today’s game have thrown up some unique tactical challenges for his players. He mentioned that while winning felt a bit more routine during his first spell years ago, he’s been impressed by how this squad has stayed in the fight.

It’s clear O’Neill believes Celtic have the heart to move past their earlier wobbles. With 21 wins from 33 games and a +24 goal difference, the stats show a team hitting their stride at just the right time. Supporters are now eyeing the upcoming matches against Falkirk and Motherwell, before a massive home derby against Rangers that will likely define O’Neill’s impact.

Can O’Neill’s Celtic defy the odds and grab the title?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 14: Celtic manager Martin O’Neil reacts during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on March 14, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The way Scottish football looks right now, Celtic are staring down their most unpredictable title race in years, needing to jump past both a revitalised Rangers and a clinical Hearts side. While O’Neill has plugged the holes left by the old regime, the reality is that Celtic are still in third with 67 points, sitting three behind Hearts and two behind Rangers as of 22 April 2026.

This means they’ll need to be almost perfect in these final five games, especially during the important Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park. Everything comes down to whether the team can keep the clinical edge they showed in the 2-0 win over Falkirk and avoid the kind of second-half collapses seen at Tannadice.

The numbers from FotMob tell a compelling story. Celtic have bagged 59 goals, second only to Rangers’ 66, but they’ve let in more than their rivals at the top. That defensive shakiness is the biggest hurdle O’Neill has to clear as he heads into the post-split pressure cooker.

If the Hoops can bag maximum points from their next two, the pressure might just shift onto a Hearts side that have led for most of the spring. Most fans agree O’Neill has done a massive job just getting the club back into a three-way scrap, but at the end of the day, this season will be judged on trophies, not just a solid comeback. Celtic have to turn this stability into a ruthless run of wins if they want to get back to the top of the Scottish game.