Martin O’Neill’s Celtic can draw level on points with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on Sunday.
O’Neill on Hibs’ Potential Divided Loyalties
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill can “understand” why some Hibernian supporters may not want Edinburgh rivals Hearts to win the Scottish Premiership. He does not expect such sentiment to affect Sunday’s trip to Easter Road.
O’Neill stated, “I can maybe understand that, that maybe some Hibs fans wouldn’t want Hearts to win the league but that won’t cross over, one to the team selection, two to the coaching staff.”
He added, “I think they would be more invigorated by news of that. If I could could call upon some Hibs fans to refrain from that, that would help.”
O’Neill also remarked, “I’m quite sure here something similar, some Celtic fans might not want our closest rivals, in terms of not too far away, to win the league as well too, so I don’t know.”
Celtic’s Push for the Top Spot
The defending champions trail leaders Hearts by three points. Victory at Hibs would see them draw level, before Rangers visit Hearts on Monday.
O’Neill’s side put pressure on the top two last weekend. They beat Falkirk at home on Saturday, while Rangers lost at Ibrox to Motherwell on Sunday, and Hearts beat Hibs at Easter Road.
“It’s only an advantage if you win,” said O’Neill. “We were able to overcome Falkirk, which was great.
“There is a sense as well that you’ve done that job for the weekend and then you just sit back.
“So, mostly up until the Falkirk game, we’ve been the one that’s been playing afterwards and trying to catch up.”
Eyes on Hearts v Rangers
Asked if he would keep across Monday’s Hearts v Rangers game, O’Neill said: “I’m glued to it, don’t you worry, I’ll be there.”
“If you’re asking who I’ll be cheering on, I’ve no idea.
“Of course, I’ll be watching because we have to play those teams.”
Team News: Johnston Returns to Training
Right-back Alistair Johnston, who has missed most of the season with hamstring issues but came off the bench against Falkirk, has had a full week’s training.
“That’s encouraging,” O’Neill said of the Canada international.
“We’re pretty good. We’re OK, nothing new.”
Celtic appear to be in good shape heading into the match against Hibs.