The View from Brisbane – Celtic March with O’Neill on a Hampden Battlefield | OneFootball

The return of the legendary Martin O’Neill was the catalyst for a revitalised Celtic marching on to the Premier Sports Cup Final against St Mirren on Sunday 14 December…

Johnny Kenny celebrates. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

The Glasgow Derby was mired in controversy, and, as per usual after a theRangers capitulation, official complaints were forwarded to the unbiased officials who oversee the Scottish game. We’ll bypass that with a raised eyebrow, a wee smirk, and some facts.

O’Neill did the unthinkable; he fielded players who had the audacity to play the ball forward with intent, and, despite a (genuinely) heroic bid by the Ibrox team, won the match.

The defence, starring Scaldini and Trustini, were imperious. They won their battles, and regularly involved their midfield colleagues, proving that, as against Dundee, ‘twa’ left-fitters’ can indeed succeed where others have failed.

Callum McGregor celebrates at Hampden. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

McGregor was given license to kill and killed off any hopes the boys in blue harboured before the match. What a strike from the man, and the auld man should be credited for a fighting display all over the pitch.

Everyone, from the heroic Schmeichel to goal-heroes Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand, (what a find!) turned up, and the result was the result.

Johnny Kenny of Celtic scores his team’s first goal during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The main bits; Kenny’s netted header from a superb Engels cross was supreme. No controversy, just a beautiful eruption at the other end. The Sligo man’s celebration was powerful, although the theRangers end didnae think so.

We’re now finding his strengths and long may it continue. We need a regular goalscorer, so why not him?

The penalty; The brickie was tripped as he fell onto a goal bound shot. Nobody is talking about that. The ball hit the part of his arm which gave the ref a decision to make. At the time I thought ‘If he wasn’t booked and a second yellow wasn’t issued, why give the penalty?’

I’ve now been told that the rule changed two years ago and you don’t get book for a handball penalty call like this now, so at least Nick Walsh got that one correct.  Was it a penalty though? Not for me, but I’m a Celtic man. 

McGregor’s screamer was vintage, and what a way to deflate the inflated. I was delighted for the man, and in a match of this magnitude it was clear he was delighted for himself.

The sending off; It was as clear a red card as you’ll see in the game. The sight of Ralston’s ripped shorts at the groin, and the blood from the wound says it all; “Red card! Red Card!”

The non-sending off part 1; Cornelius went studs-up into a challenge which left Kenny writhing in pain. It was a clear and deliberate attempt to injure the Celtic man, and he should have walked, theRangers player was guilty of several fouls which would, ordinarily, see him ordered off. He got away with ‘blue’ murder!

Pert 2; Trusty was lucky to avoid the inevitable after leaving his foot in and catching Butland’s head. Not vicious, but unnecessary. It probably balanced up the Cornelius mystery. Nick Walsh and VAR got this one correct according to the current rules of the game, as you can see above.

Callum Osmand celebrates. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

I’ll leave the best to last; Young Callum Osmand was left languishing by the previous manager and given no chance to prove his worth in the first team.

Tell me one Celtic supporter who did not scream out his name with vindicated joy as Callum netted like a veteran in front of the delirious Celtic End to knock theRangers out of the Cup? Checkout the hilarious video on the Brisbane Celtic Supporters Club page for confirmation! If you’re not on it, get on it. Trusty me!

Martin O’Neill, Interim Manager of Celtic, reacts during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Martin’s back, proving that old adage; The older the fiddle, the better the tune. I am sure the Irishman (there’s a lot of them about) will oversee a (hopeful) Premier Sports League Cup triumph back at this ground.

He is loved by the Celtic support and deserves nothing less. I’d take him until the season’s end…

Hail Hail!

Eddie Murray

PS – Have a look at this challenge on Reo Hatate…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain  Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book.  Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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