O’Neill wins first Celtic game post Rodgers exit
Martin O’Neill began his second spell in charge of Celtic with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Falkirk at Parkhead on Wednesday, restoring some optimism to the club following Brendan Rodgers’ sudden resignation earlier in the week.
The 73-year-old, appointed interim manager alongside former Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney, was greeted with a rousing reception on his return to the touchline. The win came amid ongoing fan protests against majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and the club’s board, reflecting lingering frustration over a perceived lack of ambition in the summer transfer window.
Irish forward Johnny Kenny was the standout performer, scoring twice in the first half to put Celtic firmly in control. His first came from a rebound after Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain turned Benjamin Nygren’s effort onto the post, before he doubled the lead with a close-range header ten minutes later. Midfielder Nygren and winger Sebastian Tounekti added further goals after the break to complete a commanding display.
Desmond, watching from the directors’ box, saw his side close the gap to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts to six points after the leaders were held 2-2 at St Mirren. Celtic remain five clear of rivals Rangers, who won 1-0 at Hibernian.
O’Neill’s return to Celtic Park, nearly two decades after his first stint between 2000 and 2005, offered a sense of nostalgia and renewed belief. The Northern Irishman, who last led Celtic to victory in the 2005 Scottish Cup final, appeared animated on the touchline as his players responded with energy and attacking intent.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, making key saves early on, ensured a solid platform before Celtic asserted control. Kenny’s clinical finishing and Nygren’s creativity stood out in a side that looked reinvigorated after a turbulent week.
Japan forward Daizen Maeda made his return from injury in the second half, while 19-year-old Callum Osmand, a summer signing from Fulham, made his senior debut late on to further lift the mood at Parkhead.
The victory sets up O’Neill’s side for a high-stakes Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park on Sunday — a fixture steeped in history, marking the same venue where O’Neill’s first Celtic tenure ended with silverware in 2005.
For O’Neill, the challenge now is to channel the momentum from this triumphant return into stability and results, as Celtic seek to reassert themselves in both domestic and cup competitions.