Copyright Yardbarker
Q: How’s that feeling? What were your thoughts on the game? Martin O’Neill: “I’m feeling, obviously, delighted to win. A feeling of relief from that viewpoint as well. But I thought we played really well, got the goal, had a goal disallowed, but really, really well. Then (the)Rangers had the man sent off, and just after half-time I thought they took control of the game. You know, it’s a really good spell, 10 or 15 minutes, we lost our way a little bit. Then they get the penalty to get into extra time. Obviously, Callum comes up with a great goal. So, delighted to have won, and certainly things we could have improved on. I’m not sure what it was, but, you know, 11 v 10, we should have taken more control, I felt. But, delighted to have won. That spell in first half, particularly, I thought we were excellent.” Q: On a personal note, it’s been quite a week for you, what was it like being back out there in this fixture as well? Martin O’Neill: “Extraordinary, I know I have a bit of a joke, but I think it’s really, I’m never sure that I’ve ever enjoyed management. And that would be the same today, your heart’s pumping away, trying to get a result. But, honestly, I am privileged to come back, even if it’s for a couple of games. And, yeah, it was a really, really strange feeling to be back at Hampden. Really strange, I must admit.” Q: You’ve witnessed some inspirational captains in your time, can you sum up the contribution of Callum McGregor today? Martin O’Neill: “He’s just a great player. I’ve been saying this here for a couple of days, and obviously his performance, when I had the team on Wednesday evening. I’ve watched Celtic intermittently over the years, and you think, yeah, he’s a really good player. It’s only when you get down and you’re actually in the job itself, you realise how really good he is. He’s a good captain as well too, you know. Vociferous in the dressing room, which is great. But he can play, can really play. I thought he was brilliant and my expectation of him is so high.” Q: If you look at Dick Advocaat, Carlo Ancelotti, even Bobby Robson – they all managed late into their 70s. Would you at least be open to the conversation, if it was made to you, about the manager’s job? Martin O’Neill: “Well I don’t think there’ll be that conversation. I genuinely don’t think that would be the case. I’ve come in, deep down I probably have enjoyed it a bit better than I’m saying, but not a lot. I’ve had enormous help from my backroom staff, young Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham and big Stephen McManus. All three that I managed at one stage or another. Gosh almighty, now they’re standing beside me in the coaching ranks. So yeah, it was lovely. It’s a great feeling in the dressing room, you know, when you’ve won a game like that.” Continued on the next page…
