Celtic v St Mirren – Martin O’Neill’s pre-match media conference remarks

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The Celtic Star

·11 de abril de 2026

Celtic v St Mirren – Martin O’Neill’s pre-match media conference remarks

Martin O’Neill spoke to the media ahead of this afternoon’s crucial Scottish Premiership clash with St Mirren at Celtic Park. Here is everything that the Celtic manager said…

Q: Can you give us a squad update?

Martin O’Neill: “Colby Donovan has picked up a hamstring injury and will be sidelined, although we don’t expect it to be a long-term issue. He could miss next week as well, but overall his recovery is progressing well.”

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Q: Alistair Johnston?

Martin O’Neill: “He trained with the squad today, which is very encouraging, and hasn’t had any negative reaction. He’s had a setback before with his national team, but he’s improving now and we’ll be looking to have him back as soon as possible.”

Alistair Johnston of Celtic challenges for the ball with Dastan Satpayev of Kairat Almaty during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Q: Do you have any indication when that might be?

Martin O’Neill:“There’s no exact timeframe yet, but if he responds well to today’s session and continues his individual recovery work, then next week could be a very important period for him. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Q: How do you view this St Mirren team under Craig McLeish?

Martin O’Neill:“They’ve had some very strong results since he came in, including a tough opening match and then two significant wins. That will give them plenty of confidence heading into the game.”

22.02.2026 Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership. Martin O’Neill. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

Q: What do you think it is going to come down to in this type of race?

Martin O’Neill: “It’s difficult to say, but being in the lead at this stage is always an advantage. With fewer games remaining, that position is valuable, though the situation is still very open and could go either way.”

Q: Do you think it counts for anything that you have players who have won the league?

Martin O’Neill: “It’s been mentioned, but I don’t see it as a decisive factor. While experience is useful, many of those successes came in very different circumstances. What matters now is the quality of the players we have.”

Q: What did you make of the way the fixtures have fallen?

Martin O’Neill: “There’s been some talk about it, but the schedule is balanced with equal home and away matches. Certain decisions are influenced by external factors, so I don’t see any issue with how it’s been arranged.”

Q: You spoke about the possible excitement of how things could unfold?

Martin O’Neill: “That’s still a long way off for us. There are other teams involved who will influence how things play out, so it’s not something we’re focusing on at this stage.”

Our Dear Green Place tifo by the Green Brigade, September 2024. Photo IMAGO

Q: The Green Brigade will be back. Does that give a boost?

Martin O’Neill:“Yes, it certainly helps. Having strong, vocal support can make a real difference, and it would be great to have that atmosphere again moving forward.”

Q: Julian Araujo?

Martin O’Neill:“Unfortunately, he’s suffered another injury setback while under supervision, which is a big blow. We only learned about it today and it looks unlikely that he’ll feature again this season.”

Q: What can a better atmosphere at Celtic Park do for the team?

Martin O’Neill:“The support has already been excellent, as we saw recently, and it plays a big role in lifting the players. Having that energy consistently can only benefit us.”

Q: Does goal difference come into your thinking?

Martin O’Neill: “At this stage, it’s not something we can control directly. The focus has to be on winning matches, and if goal difference becomes important, then so be it, but it’s not our primary concern right now.”

Q: Back-to-back games against the same opponent—does that matter?

Martin O’Neill: “No, not really. Each match is separate, and our full attention is on the immediate game ahead rather than what follows.”

Kelechi Iheanacho scores the winner. Dundee v Celtic. Sunday 5 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Q: Has Kelechi Iheanacho given you something to think about?

Martin O’Neill: “Absolutely. He took his goal very well and has shown great attitude despite injury setbacks. He supports his teammates and works hard, so if he can stay fit, he’ll be a big asset for us.”

Post match applause from Kelechi Iheanacho. Dundee v Celtic. Sunday 5 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Watch below Martin O’Neill’s mainstream media conference ahead of this afternoon’s Celtic v St Mirren match in the Scottish Premiership at Celtic Park. Kick-off is at 3pm. A reminder that although the Green Brigade’s ban has been lifted the club’s disgraceful and unjustified ban on The Celtic Star and other fan media outlets continues.

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Conor Spence

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