Celtic Manager Martin O’Neill reacts during the Scottish Premiership between Celtic and St. Mirren at Celtic Park on April 11, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
FATHER MARTIN AND SAMWISE GANGEE – 6.5/10 – Can understand why he went with near-as-dammit the Dundee starting eleven because the first 45 show at Dens Park was the type of Celtic title-chasing production we expect to witness this time of the season. And for a while yesterday – certainly through the first halfhour – it was shaping as an incoming blitz for the Paisley Narcos.
But, as last week, the second half brought failure across the middle to front and sagging energy levels. Did the boss and SOM (Sean O’Maloney) address it correctly? Half and half. Maybe not early enough or thoroughly enough, and he appeared as puzzled as us why potential champions lost their verve and purpose deep into the game.
Me? Again, I think he made a mistake firing Azteco prematurely. This stage of the season – and THIS Celtic side in particular – need CHARACTERS to get it over the line. Ergo, we need a good fruitcake slice or two laced with madness and fire and volatility in that squad to make it happen.
‘If you could guarantee me another five league victories I would take it, regardless of the performance’
Martin O’Neill speaking after his Celtic side’s win over St Mirren ⤵️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/ErtuQp1wEQ
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) April 11, 2026
WATCH Martin O’Neill’s post match interview with Celtic TV below…
WATCH Celtic TV’s UNIQUE ANGLE below…
MIBBERY – 5.5/10 – Very close, young Duncan of the whistle, to being as loathed as his Nicholson namesake on the Celtic board when he decided deep in the game that the advantage rule does not come in to play when the Bhoys are struggling to hold a tenuous lead. However, much as he and his henchmen – including the old stand-side linesman who suffers from some sort of involuntary gimpish stiffening of the flag arm anytime a hooped shirt moves into a dangerous position – tried to subtly bend the interpretations of the laws, they ultimately failed narrowly to impose their Satanic undertaking.
Har-de-har. Again.
I have to say ,I think your ratings of our individual players in yesterday’s game are really accurate, as far as I know . I agree with every single rating and it is refreshing to see someone else appreciate Ralston for how well he performs when called upon . In addition both Trusty & Scales form the best centre back pairing in the SPL,, & you also appreciate that
I love your comments and look forward to reading them with relish each week. However this week I think you must be on the communion wine. There was not one player who had pass marks. An absolutely abject performance. Perhaps you could give pass marks for passing the ball backwards. We have no ambition passing the ball forwards and it is evident that they are shit scared to make a mistake. It would have been no surprise had the Saints equalised. They will have no fear at Hampden on Sunday. One of the worst squads I have ever witnessed in my 60 years of watching Celtic. Who knows what the coaching staff are working on during the week. Answers on a postcard, please.