Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admits a draw tomorrow between Hearts and Rangers is probably his preferred outcome between his two title challengers.

The defending champions went level on points today with a 2-1 win at Easter Road over Hibernian.

And now leaders Hearts and third placed Rangers battle it out to maintain their own title credentials.

When asked about his preference of result, O’Neill said: “I really don’t know, I don’t know.

“I suppose the one thing I look at is even if we won the rest of our games, we’re not guaranteed to win the league, because if hearts win all their games they have a better goal difference than us.

“You’re not going to make those goals up. Today, with Hibs down to 10 men, had we have maybe gotten a second goal before they scored then it might’ve become a different issue.

“So I genuinely don’t know. Maybe a draw?”

Celtic had a man advantage for the majority of the game when Jamie McGrath was shown red for his challenge on a returning Alistair Johnston. O’Neill however believes his side looked better when it was 11 vs 11.

“I think we actually played better when they had 11 men than we did when they had ten.

“Hibs showed last week they were down to nine men and they fought so strongly, so I knew that was always going to be difficult.

“Overall, it was just trying to get that second goal, we got it.

“Then it’s a matter of trying to see the game from through.

“Delighted to have won, just a nervy ending in a game we might’ve been our own worst enemies.”

Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho played the role of super-sub once again, coming off the bench and scoring the all important second goal for Celtic. His manager believes he’s a great asset despite his fitness issues.

“Iheanacho comes off the bench, scores again. I heard Alistair [Johnston] say it seemed as though it took five minutes before the ball came down to him!

“But he put it in, and he’s done that for the last number of weeks for us. Dundee, and essentially he changes the game in extra-time in the semi-final [vs St. Mirren].

“I think with the injuries he’s had this season, at this minute, he hasn’t played a great deal of football. He has been a super impact player.

“The fitness element is the most important thing. I think that you have to go prove that you’re fit – and the only way to prove it is on the field of play. What he has done for us has been terrific.

“If the club were to keep him, then it’s really to do with a proper pre-season for him. I think that he would really benefit from that.”

All eyes now shift to the mouthwatering fixture between Hearts and Rangers tomorrow, before Rangers travel to Celtic Park a week today.