Martin O’Neill Delivers Preferred Hearts Rangers Outcome After Seeing Off Hibs

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.

Hibernian 1-2 Celtic: Celts Overcome Resilient Hibs to Keep Title Bid Alive

Celtic went level on points with Premiership leaders Hearts as they defeated a ten-men Hibs side 2-1 at Easter Road. Goals from Daizen Maeda and substitute Kelechi Iheanacho either side of a Joe Newell equaliser was what it took to get the job done, as Hibs open the door for Falkirk to overtake them in fifth following the Bairns’ win over Motherwell yesterday. Hearts have the chance to pull further ahead tomorrow once again, when they host Rangers at Tynecastle.  The Glasgow side had two early warning shots for their hosts with the first coming via their top scorer Benjamin Nygren in the 6th minute. Winger Yang squared it for the Swede inside the box, but Hibs’ defender Rocky Bushiri flung himself in front of it to keep it from going goal bound. Daizen Maeda threatened just two minutes later, when captain Callum McGregor played a neat ball over the top for the Japanese attacker to bring down. He evaded the offside trap, but his effort never troubled deputy goalkeeper Jordan Smith. VAR intervened just shy of 20 minutes into the match to provide Celtic a man advantage following a reckless tackle from midfielder Jamie McGrath on a returning Alistair Johnston. Referee David Dickinson initially showed the Irish International a yellow, but Don Robertson on VAR recommended the on-field review. It is the fourth red card the Edinburgh side have had in three games.  The title-chasers huffed and puffed and eventually found themselves in front just 4 minutes before half-time. Nygren slipped in Johnston inside the area, and he squared it for Maeda to tap in his 12th goal of the season. Douglas Ross initially had his flag up, but VAR replays confirmed there was no offside offence. Just when it looked like visitors had the chance to stamp their authority on the game, Hibs rocked them with an equaliser on the cusp of the half-time whistle. A set-play was awkwardly defended from and goalkeeper Vilijami Sinisalo’s clearance went as far as Hibee’s captain Joe Newell, who brought the scoring level. A lengthy VAR check ensued, with replays indicating it comes off the arm of the Englishman as he brings it down. However, the goal stood and proceedings were equalled at the interval. Two of Celtic’s substitutes linked-up to supply the Hoops with their first big chance of the second period with twenty minutes to play. Kelechi Iheancho’s chested pass to Luke McCowan allowed the former Dundee captain to play in Maeda for his second, but the 28-year-old got the control of the pass all wrong and fashioned an unfavourable angle for himself.  Yet only two minutes later, Iheanacho himself would be the man to pull Celtic ahead. The Nigerian brought the ball down from a flicked-on corner with bodies all around him, and fired it home much to the adulation of the travelling supporters in the stand behind the goal.  Ante Suto had a glaring opportunity to score Hibs’ second equaliser of the game with less than two minutes of the ninety remaining. The ball fell for the Australian at the back-post, but his volleyed effort hit the wrong side of the net.  David Gray’s men travel to Falkirk in a game they have to avoid defeat in to stay ahead of them in the league table with the gap being just two points between the teams now.  As for Celtic, they host rivals Rangers on Sunday, who will be either stoking a title fight of their own if they get a result tomorrow at Hearts, or will be out to dent their city adversaries own trophy defence if they lose most if not all ground they have in the race at Tynecastle tomorrow.  HIBERNIAN: Smith 6, Cadden 2 (Obita 46’ 2), Bushiri 7, Iredale 6 (Suto 81′ 1), O’Hora 5, Megwa 5, Chaiwa 4, McGrath 1, Newell 6 (Barlaser 73′ 1), Boyle 2 (Campbell 46’ 3), Elding 4 (Scarlett 81′ 1) CELTIC: Sinisalo 4, Johnston 6 (Forrest 64′), Trusty 5,  Scales 5, Tierney 6, McGregor 6, Engels 5, Nygren 4 (Ralston 77′ 1), Tounekti 3 (McCowan 64′), Maeda 7, Yang 5 (Iheanacho 69′ 5)

“If We’ve Any Chance of Progressing in the Play-offs, We Need to be Much Tighter as a Unit” – Mark Wilson

Partick Thistle manager Mark Wilson admits his side have to be stronger defensively if they are to win promotion to the Scottish Premiership in the play-offs. Thistle completed an unbeaten season at home for the time in 24 years last night with a 1-1 draw against Queen’s Park. However manager Wilson hopes that the performance level doesn’t creep into their play-off ties against either Dunfermline Athletic or Arbroath. He said: “I think everybody will have seen we’ve utilised these few games to get a couple of the boys, who were long-term injuries, up to speed. “I think that first half, that [goal] was the only good thing we did, but how many could we have been down? “From our point of view, there was no pressure on the ball, which is not what I’d planned. “I made it clear to the players that I wanted to go out on a high and I wanted to preserve this home record, which of course we’ve did, I’m really pleased at that. “That’s the most chances we’ve gave up all season, and I’m not talking about half chances, I’m talking real, clear-cut ones. “If we’ve any chance of progressing through the play-offs, we need to be much tighter as a unit.” The result meant that the Jags completed the Championship season undefeated at Firhill, and Wilson believes anything they can take this into these play-offs to their advantage. “When you look at us against Arbroath, we’ve failed to beat them this year. Dunfermline, we’ve sort of got the better of them. “But anything can happen in the play-offs and that’s why you have to rely on your home form. “We’ve been really strong here at Firhill. We don’t give up much when we come here in terms of chances. We’re relentless with our play and with our pressure. “But tonight was just a wee bit the opposite. But I suppose, if I look at it, I’d rather give up that many chances tonight than in the play-offs. So hopefully we’ve got it our system.” Thistle have drawn three times and lost once to Arbroath this season, whilst boasting a better record over Dunfermline with one draw and three victories. Wilson however, has no preferred opponent for the play-off semi-final. “I have no real preference at all, because I know how fraught and how unpredictable play-offs are. “You’re never quite sure what is going to happen. Obviously, all three side will be looking to roll out their best performances and maybe some of us will get that. “Arbroath have been stuffy, they’ve been hard to play against, we’ve maybe not taken our own opportunities when we should’ve. “I think Dunfermline, technically very, very good. And we’ve seen how successful a season they’ve had. They’ve got real danger, real threats. But I suppose in the games against Dunfermline, we’ve maybe been clinical when we’ve been on top in the game. “I’ll be a keen watcher of the games between them, and it’s a hard one to call, but I really wouldn’t have any preference and they’re all going to be tight games.”

Partick Thistle 1-1 Queen’s Park: Glasgow Derby Ends All Square

Partick Thistle completed the Championship season undefeated at home after a 1-1 draw with city neighbours Queen’s Park. It is the second draw between the sides in as many matches, with Queen’s Park ending the season with just one win from their last eight games. There was nothing to play for except pride for both sides in terms of the league table, with Thistle locked into second place and Queen’s Park knowing they were safe from relegation already. The away side came close to opening the scoring just over a minute in when Callum Smith’s cross was pounced upon by Michael Ruth. The striker’s header however, was brilliantly diverted by the leg of Josh Clarke. Queen’s Park goalkeeper Callum Ferrie made a fine stop of his own just minutes later, clawing a Logan Chalmers cross from deep off his goal-line which nearly caught him off guard. The hosts would take the lead on 25 minutes through their captain for the evening Tony Watt. Aidan Fitzpatrick floated an inviting ball in from left, and the veteran striker neatly nodded it on for his tenth goal of the season. Ferrie added to his personal highlight reel when he was at full stretch to deny Tony Watt’s venomous half-volley just before the hour mark to keep his side in the game. And five minutes later they had the chance to equalise from 12 yards after a mistimed challenge inside the box from Patrick Reading. Ruth stepped up, and sent Clarke the wrong way as he tucked it in bottom left. Momentum favoured  Queen’s Park if any side was going to find a winner, but player preservation was key with Mark Wilson’s side knowing they have a play-off tie against either Dunfermline or Arbroath in less than two weeks. Both those sides coincidentally faced off tonight also in a goalless draw at East End Park. If Thistle can overcome either of those sides in a two-legged affair, they will reach the Premiership play-off final for the first time since 2023. PARTICK THISTLE: Clarke 7, Reading 5, Smyth 4 (Lets’osa 61’ 2), Samuel 4 (Taylor 61’ 2), Chalmers 7, Crawford 6, Ingram 3 (Logan 46’ 3), McBeth 5, Fitzpatrick 5 (Mackay-Steven 61’ 2), Loughrey 5, Watt 8 (Diack 75’ 1)   QUEEN’S PARK: Ferrie 7, Fieldson 5, Longridge 6, Macgregor 5, Ruth 6 (McDonnell 90’), Connolly 5, McLean 4, Shiels 5, Mackenzie 5, Smith 6, Lamie 5

“If You Think We’re Going to Lie Down, You’re Wrong” – Hibs Captain Insists Side Will Give All Against Celtic

Hibernian captain Joe Newell rubbished any talk of him and his teammates lying down to Celtic this Sunday. The Glasgow side would go level on points with Hibs’ rivals Hearts with a win at Easter Road, at least until the league leaders take on Rangers at Tynecastle on Monday evening. Yet Newell says their neighbours title charge will have no bearing on performances levels in Leith. He said: “I don’t think you could make it to this level without wanting to win. I’ve not met one who has. “We’re a group of professional athletes. We fight with each other over five-a-side games in training. “So if you think we’re going to lie down in front of thousands of people, in front of the Sky cameras, you’re wrong. “We’ll be doing our utmost to win the game of football, it’s as simple as that. “There’s a competitive edge all the time in training. You’re professional athletes, we get paid a lot of money to do this. “So we’re doing a disservice to everyone if you roll over for what some fans want.” The Hibees failed to derail Hearts’ historic title bid last Sunday, falling to a late 2-1 defeat in a match that seen them reduced to nine men. With fans across the country beginning to anticipate a historic end to the season, Newell admits he understands why some Hibernian supporters would like to see their team lose at the weekend. “Yeah. I get it. I completely get it. “But we control what we can control. We’ve got a huge few games to play in terms of what we’re playing for. “We need European football. We want to finish as high as possible. “To go back-to-back would be a good achievement for the club, actually great achievement considering how often we’ve done it in the last few years. “That’s something that we’re desperate for and that’s in our control.” Hibs are 5th in the table, 6 points behind Motherwell and 5 ahead of Falkirk. A Scottish Cup win for Celtic would allow entry into the Conference League qualifiers for Hibs, should they fail to move from 5th by the end of the campaign.

Celtic Exploring Conditions of Permanent Saracchi Stay

Celtic are looking into making on-loan defender Marcelo Saracchi’s stay a permanent one. The Uruguayan signed late in the summer window from Argentine giants Boca Juniors, and has made 23 appearances as the Parkhead side manage Kieran Tierney’s fitness. A deal will reportedly not be concluded until a new manager is in the Celtic Park dugout, yet interim manager Martin O’Neill admits it is a deal that makes sense. “I think they should try [sign him]. Kieran Tierney is playing brilliantly, back to the level Arsenal paid for. “But this little lad scored for us. He’s a strange character, I call him Manuel from Fawlty Towers because he hasn’t a clue what I’m saying! “He just says ‘Yes’ to everything! But the club should be looking at something like that.” Saracchi has scored once in a 2-1 home win over Livingston, and has chipped in with two assists. The player himself is said to be keen to extending his stay to life in Glasgow, but would need reassurances on game time amid other options being presented to him.

James Forrest Signs One-Year Extension With Celtic

Celtic winger James Forrest has extended his time at Parkhead by another year, penning a deal that sees him at the club until the end of the 2026/27 season. Forrest, who turns 35 in the summer, has never played for a club other than Celtic, becoming their most decorated player of all time with 26 major honours at the time of writing. He scored on his debut in 2010 as a 19-year-old in a 4-0 home win over Motherwell, and hopes he can continue his record of scoring in every season since next year again with the Hoops. Forrest told club media: “I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve been here my full career and I’ve loved every minute of it. “We’ve been so successful in my time here and I’m delighted to have signed another year, and I’ll just give my best to the club for however long I’ll be here. “While I’m still playing I can hopefully keep contributing and helping the team when I can and I’m just going to give it everything until I finish. “When I do stop, I will look back on so many great memories, but hopefully I can make a few more before I do finish.” Interim manager Martin O’Neill brought him off the bench to rescue Celtic on Sunday in the Scottish Cup semi-final win over St. Mirren, and he is happy to see Forrest potentially see out his career as a one-club-man. O’Neill said: “I really want James to finish his career here at Celtic, and I just didn’t want him to be going elsewhere, and I think he wanted that as well. “But the major point about taking anyone on is to know whether they’re worth an extra year and James has proved this season that he has been worth that. “He has changed games and he has done wonderfully well. His contribution in recent weeks when he’s come off the bench has been absolutely terrific, and he has deserved it, and that’s the point. “So, take sentimentality right out of it, he’s deserved it. “He’s been immense for the football club since Neil Lennon brought him in when he was a young kid in the reserves, and he is what I love – I love players who take people on and he can take people on, even to have that little burst of pace at his age is worth its weight in gold.” There is still scope that Forrest can make the plane for the World Cup this summer, having been part of Steve Clarke’s last two major tournament squads. But with the title race in the balance, and Celtic in a Scottish Cup final against former manager Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline, adding to his record high Celtic honours will be at the forefront of the Scottish international’s mind.

Celtic Hero Appointed Japan Coach Ahead of World Cup

Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura has been appointed as part of the backroom staff of Japan ahead of this summer’s World Cup. The free-kick expert was back in Glasgow to take in the Samurai Blue’s friendly win at Barclays Hampden late last month as part of a Japanese TV station’s coverage. And now the former midfielder will be joining up with the coaching setup as a technical coach in the Americas from June. “I am pleased to announce that I will be joining the staff as a coach for the Japanese national team” Nakamura said in a statement. “I carefully considered the impact of my joining at such a crucial time, just before the World Cup finals, but after receiving passionate and encouraging words from Coach [Hajime] Moriyasu, I decided to accept the position. “I will strive to share the same aspirations as the Japanese national team players competing on the world stage and contribute to achieving the goals the team has set.” Nakamura represented his country 98 times, scoring 24 times. He was the first Japanese player to play for Celtic, a market that has benefitted the Glasgow giants massively in recent years, with World Cup hopefuls Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate on the books currently. Japan won two friendlies in March 1-0 away to both Scotland and England, and will play one more friendly against Iceland before their World Cup group stage fixtures in Group F against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

Falkirk Release Statement Apologising After Away Fans Infiltrate Home End

Falkirk have issued a statement apologising to their own supporters after sections of the home end housed Rangers fans in yesterday’s 6-3 defeat at The Falkirk Stadium. The two sides meet again on the final day of the season, with Falkirk already committing to more robust procedures in a contest that could see Rangers crowned champions. The club say they received numerous complaints of sectarian singing from those in the away end, and that one steward required medical attention, just weeks after a steward was allegedly attacked amidst the pitch invasion at Ibrox vs Celtic. The statement reads: “Following yesterday’s match, many Falkirk fans have contacted us about away fans obtaining tickets for the home end and the behaviour of these fans, which included a steward requiring medical attention. “We have also received complaints about sectarian singing from a large proportion of away fans. “Football is passionate, but none of this is acceptable. We condemn all of the aforementioned incidents. “We therefore apologise to our fans for the deeply unpleasant experience they were subjected to. “Falkirk FC will work with Police Scotland, stewarding partners, our colleagues at other clubs, the SPFL and SFA, and endeavour to improve the experience for our fans. “The club already had a robust plan in place for the final game of the season, with enhanced measures in place given the potential significance of the fixture. “We are now considering further the implications of yesterday’s incidents for future matches against Rangers, including security and ticketing arrangements, and will inform our fans once a decision has been taken.”

Hibs To Play Shamrock Rovers in Summer Friendly To Mark Club’s 150th Anniversary

Hibernian have announced a pre-season friendly away to Shamrock Rovers to commemorate the club’s 150th anniversary. The Edinburgh side also released a special edition hooped kit at the beginning of this season, to pay homage to their Irish heritage. They will swap the capital of Scotland for the capital of Ireland when they make the trip to Tallaght Stadium for the fixture on June 29th. And the Hibees will be hoping this is the first stamp of many on their passports as their fight fourth place with Motherwell ramps up. The club will also be operating a fanzone in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, with a first drink included in the price of a ticket. Hibs go into the split off the back of a 2-0 loss at Aberdeen, leaving them three points behind fourth placed Motherwell and five ahead of Falkirk. David Gray remains optimistic of leap-frogging the Steelmen in the tail end of the campaign. He spoke to Hibs TV after the loss: “Now we go into the split, and there’s no better fixture for the players and supporters to look forward to than a derby to try and get a reaction. “I’ve just reminded the players of that. We’ve got five games to go. We haven’t lost ground on Motherwell because of other results, but we do have a game less, so it makes it more difficult. “Do we feel it’s an opportunity missed? Yes, given how we came into the game. But we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We can still achieve what we set out to do. “It’s going to be tough, it will take five big performances, but I believe in the group and I believe we’re good enough to do it.” Hibs have this week off before kicking-off their split fixtures with the final Edinburgh derby of the season at Easter Road the following Sunday.