Relief for Celtic... now does O'Neill want Rangers to win?

Breaking news from the world of sport: now does O'Neill want Rangers to win? Image source, SNS Image caption, Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to score the winner against Hibs By Clive Lindsay Sport Scotland Published 3 May 2026 As Martin O'Neill stressed again, there is "little margin for error" in this unprecedented three-team race for the Scottish Premiership title - and his Celtic side continue to make fewer of them than their rivals in recent weeks. The reigning champions made heavy weather of overcoming a Hibernian side who suffered a fourth red card in three games after only 21 minutes at Easter Road on Sunday.

But, having gradually eaten into Hearts' title lead, Celtic's 2-1 win means the long-time pacesetters are only now ahead on goal difference. With Rangers four points adrift of them both, the pressure is on Celtic's city rivals - as well as their hosts - at Tynecastle on Monday. But does that mean Celtic are in the unusual situation of wanting their bitter Glasgow rivals to win?

Match Details

Listen: Reaction as Celtic win to join Hearts at top Celtic edge past 10-man Hibs to go joint top Rangers accept derby tickets but 'disappointed' by SPFL stance Published 1 day ago 'Maybe a draw' would suit O'Neill To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, O'Neill 'relieved' after win over 10-man Hibs A win for Hearts would all but end Rangers' title hopes as they would be seven points adrift of Derek McInnes' side with only three games remaining. However, it would also restore Hearts' three-point lead, with Celtic having still to host both their title rivals.

It is no surprise O'Neill will be watching Monday's game, but what kind of result would suit him best? "What do I want for tomorrow? I genuinely don't know," Celtic's interim manager said.

He later conceded: "Even if we won the rest of the games, we're not guaranteed to win the league, because, if Hearts won all their games, they've got a better goal difference than us. With a draw, at least people drop points. " O'Neill was just happy to put the pressure back on their rivals after admitting "it was very edgy towards the end" at Easter Road.

Reactions and Expectations

"We've won today, so there's a bit of relief for 24 hours," he said. "The margin of error is very small and it seems like I've been saying that for months. "We've played some really decent stuff, but we had to defend towards the end.

" Daizen Maeda put Celtic ahead shortly after Jamie McGrath's red card, but Joe Newell's reply shortly before the break gave fifth-place Hibs hope until Kelechi Iheanacho "comes off the bench and wins the game for us". Iheanacho a 'super impact player' It is not the first time Nigeria international Iheanacho has come to Celtic's rescue in recent weeks. The former Manchester City and Leicester City striker has only made eight starts since signing on transfer deadline day in September.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.