Martin O'Neill dismisses must-win claims before Celtic v Rangers derby | OneFootball

Martin O'Neill has played down claims that Sunday’s Old Firm is a must-win for Celtic, insisting it is too early in the season to make it decisive. According to Goal.com, the Celtic manager framed the match as important but not season-defining.

Celtic host Rangers at Celtic Park a week after their League Cup exit at Ibrox. They have six straight league victories but come into the derby on the back of cup and Europa League defeats. A win would open an eight-point lead over second-placed Rangers.

O'Neill accepted that losing again would carry a psychological cost, given it would be three defeats on the spin, yet he kept to his view that it is too early to suggest the title race hinges on a September meeting. He said his players must be ready for a big game at any stage of the campaign.

Under scrutiny from some supporters over tactics and a defensive tone in recent post-match interviews, O'Neill acknowledged that questioning comes with the job. He admitted he can be tetchy and has apologised at times, adding that he is responsible for selection and approach and should be challenged.

Rangers, meanwhile, could complete rare back-to-back wins over Celtic inside a week, something achieved only in 1960 and 1998. Derek McInnes could also equal Graeme Souness by winning his first two Old Firm derbies in charge. The Rangers boss downplayed tactical talk, stressing that results at Celtic Park hinge on high individual performances across the team.

Source: Goal.com

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