‘Trying to write Martin O’Neill off’ – Martin Keown hits back at Celtic boss criticism | OneFootball

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has backed Martin O’Neill to respond to Celtic’s damaging 3-0 defeat against Rangers when the two sides meet again next weekend.

The Hoops were comprehensively beaten at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup, leaving O’Neill facing criticism ahead of another derby encounter.

Scottish Sun columnist Bill Leckie questioned whether the 74-year-old still possesses the energy to recover from major setbacks, but that suggestion was firmly rejected by Keown.

The former Arsenal and England defender believes the criticism will instead provide further motivation for O’Neill to put things right.

“I hope he’s listening because Bill is trying to write Martin O’Neill off,” Keown said on talkSPORT. “You are.

“Celtic just won six games in the league going into Sunday so you’re making it – and that’s the way it is in Scotland – all about the Rangers/Celtic result.

“If he wins on Sunday he corrects all of that, doesn’t he? Let’s separate (LASK game) as that was an appalling situation to find yourself in. But the Rangers Celtic thing now, it’s a massive talking point now because obviously Rangers have beaten them, and can they knock them off their perch?

“I think it will fuel Martin and help him to correct it.”

Celtic had won their opening six Premiership matches before the cup defeat, but their performances in major tests against LASK and Rangers have raised questions over O’Neill’s side.

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