Martin O'Neill delivers derby delight for Celtic with semi-final success | OneFootball

After a resounding 3-1 victory over Rangers at Hampden Park this afternoon, Celtic have booked their place in the League Cup final for the second season in a row.

The scoreline, however, doesn’t tell the whole story of a match which included a red card, big VAR decisions and the requirement of extra-time to decide the outcome.

At the end of it all, though, the Hoops came out on top thanks to goals from Johnny Kenny, Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand, goals which secured a thoroughly deserved victory for Glasgow’s green and white.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, Martin O’Neill reflected on his side’s performance and his joy at reaching the League Cup final.

“I’m delighted, relieved and extremely happy to win the game,” the manager said. “To win against Rangers as well, I genuinely couldn’t be more pleased with the team.

“I could sense the players’ intensity before the game and true to their word they really went at it.

“We have some fine players in the football club, Callum McGregor being one of them, and in extra-time it was a glorious strike - brilliant from a really great player.

“Callum Osmand is coming up through the ranks, and he certainly doesn’t lack confidence. He wants to get at people and all of us will be encouraging that.”

For so many amongst the Celtic faithful, the sight of Martin O’Neill in the Celtic technical area, sporting a tracksuit and driving the Hoops on to victory over Rangers was like a glimpse back in time to his first spell as the Celtic manager.

And for the Irishman himself, he says that being involved today’s performance and victory made him feel like he was rolling back the years.

He added: “I’m really grateful. I’ve always said that it’s a privilege to manage Celtic.

“If you had asked me last Sunday, I’d have told you I’d be watching this game on television, so from that viewpoint it’s enormous.

“For us to win against Rangers was terrific and now we’re in a final. I genuinely didn’t know the final was in December time!

“It was great, the crowd were fantastic and I appreciate it and have genuine warmth for it all.”

Fixtures

Celtic Vs. Rangers - Sun, Nov 2nd 2025, 14:00 Final score: 3 - 1 Match Report