Martin O’Neill -Auchinleck Talbot v Celtic, Scottish Cup 4th Round, Rugby Park. Sunday 18 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou ( The Celtic Star)
FATHER MARTIN AND SAMWISE GANGEE – 6.5/10 – Load of changes for the start of a tough week. Nobody’s old fool, is the boss – wary of silicone-titty pitches and barbarian warriors from the nether-lands of civilisation he took a reasonably cautious approach replacing like-for-like with a couple of youngsters in to test their mettle, and ultimately got the job done.
Head of Referees Willie Collum watches on – Auchinleck Talbot v Celtic, Scottish Cup 4th Round, Rugby Park. Sunday 18 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou ( The Celtic Star)
MIBBERY – 5/10 – They’re now drawing lines from Johnny Kenny’s oversized heid in order to keep the score tight in a cup-tie, and blanking clear follow-through fouls in the box with raised studs because Jamesy’s getting crosses in. But, alas, the cigar box stayed shut. I revel in their anguish.
WILL WE HAVE TWO ATTACKERS IN TO PLAY AGAINST hearts ,ONLY THE IDIOTS ON THE BOARD CAN TELL US THAT HH