Martin O’Neill Makes A Big Claim Regarding Rangers Against Hearts: Can Celtic Actually Win The Title? | OneFootball

Celtic are moving into one of the most telling fortnights in years, and Martin O’Neill isn’t hiding where he’ll be looking this Monday night. Speaking before Celtic’s game at Easter Road against Hibs, O’Neill told reporters he’ll be watching Hearts host Rangers at Tynecastle on Monday with a very close eye.

Celtic’s title fate rests on results they cannot control

He didn’t mince words, saying he has no time for managers who act like these games don’t matter. With his usual bluntness, he admitted he’s not sure which result he actually wants, since Celtic‘s own performance comes first and changes the whole outlook.

He joked that he wouldn’t go as far as cheering for a Rangers goal, but he certainly didn’t deny he’d be glued to the TV. O’Neill’s point was simple, and that Celtic need to focus on winning their own matches, and the rest will take care of itself.

Right now, Hearts are top of the Premiership by three points over second-placed Celtic, with Rangers just one point further back in third, meaning all three teams are still in the hunt with four games left. Meanwhile, Celtic secured a spot in the Scottish Cup final after thumping St Mirren 6-2, keeping the dream of a domestic double alive, which is something that seemed almost impossible only a few months ago.

He said: (TCW), “Yeah, yeah. I know that some managers say, oh well, don’t bother, they’ll go for a walk or do something. No, I’m glued to it.

“Don’t you worry, I’ll be there. If you’re asking who I’m cheering on, I have no idea. Don’t even ask, I have no idea.

“Depending on how we do, I might, if we don’t win the game or lose the match, that becomes a different thought process, but at the end of it all, yeah, of course I’ll be watching because we have to play those teams.

“I might not go that far (cheering Rangers on for a goal)!”

Can Celtic actually win this title without beating Hearts or Rangers all season?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 14: Celtic manager Martin O’Neil arrives prior to the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on March 14, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The straightforward answer is: likely not, though the league has seen weirder things happen. Celtic have lost both games against Hearts in the league this season and haven’t beaten Rangers in the league either. Chris Sutton, a Celtic legend himself, admitted he’s sceptical that O’Neill’s men can win their last four games and even wondered if they’d get past Hibs.

Those are tough words to hear, especially coming from a former player who wants to see the club do well. The title-winning experience O’Neill has, along with the grit Callum McGregor talks about, is huge in a race this close. Still, the fact that Celtic haven’t beaten either side above them all year is a massive flaw that momentum alone can’t fix.

Rangers come to Celtic Park on May 10, and Hearts arrive for the final day on May 16. This means Celtic have to beat the two teams they have struggled with all season, one after the other, to win the league. It’s a massive task, and Celtic fans deserve the truth about how difficult those odds really are.

Celtic still carry a genuine belief into the final phase, which they did not expect to reach

The table shows Celtic are behind, but the vibe in the dressing room says something else. McGregor believes that getting through a season of three different managers, fan protests, and constant injuries while still being in contention shows what the squad is made of. O’Neill settled things down just when they were needed. Celtic finish the season at home, and Parkhead is still their biggest edge going into the final two weeks that will decide their season.