(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Thu 30 October 2025 12:00, UK

Martin O’Neill made the perfect start to life back at Celtic, and is now preparing to take charge of a Glasgow derby against Rangers.

A 4-0 win over Falkirk put the Hoops back to within six points of leaders Hearts just days after Brendan Rodgers’ resignation from Celtic.

O’Neill managed Celtic over 20 years ago, and has returned whilst the club search for Rodgers’ permanent successor.

Ange Postecoglou will not become Celtic manager again, with Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna high on the shortlist.

Johnny Kenny must start vs Rangers

Kelechi Iheanacho’s injury sustained against Sturm Graz has opened the door for Johnny Kenny to show his talent.

Kenny scored two goals in the victory over Falkirk, and speaking on Sportscene [29 October], former Rangers player Neil McCann was impressed by the strikers’ performance.

“There has been a lot said of Celtic’s lack of activity in the transfer market to bring in a real top class recognised striker, but he looks the player that will give defences trouble, McCann said.

“If you give him service he will get across people as he showed. He worked hard for his goals in terms of being clever in the mind in getting himself into good positions.

“There is absolutely a striker there, he offers a ball in-behind as well, he gets on the shoulder but as he showed today he puts it in-between the posts.”

Asked whether he should start the Scottish League Cup semi-final against Rangers, McCann said: “I think he has to, absolutely.”

Kenny taking his opportunity

The 22-year-old may have struggled against Hearts at Tynecastle, but the striker proved his worth with a brace against Falkirk.

Kenny has got the nod over Shin Yamada, and the Japanese international could not even make the squad against Falkirk with Daizen Maeda back from injury.

It looks as though Kenny will be Celtic’s number nine in the short-term, with a chance to stake his claim for the long-term.