Celtic’s recent victory over Falkirk has sparked a bold declaration from Callum McGregor: ‘The mentality is back’ under the leadership of Martin O’Neill. But here’s where it gets intriguing—while the win wasn’t exactly a masterclass in fluid, attacking football, it showcased a resilience that’s been missing in recent months. O’Neill’s side leaned heavily on their defense and goalkeeper, grinding out a 1-0 win with a clean sheet—a feat that eluded former manager Wilfried Nancy in his eight-game tenure. And this is the part most people miss: both of Celtic’s wins since O’Neill’s return have come with clean sheets, a stark contrast to the defensive fragility under Nancy.
Benjamin Nygren’s first-half header proved decisive, securing the three points for the second time since O’Neill’s interim return. Yet, the lack of goal-scoring opportunities raises questions: Would Celtic have clinched this win under Nancy’s management? It’s a controversial thought, but one that highlights the shift in approach under O’Neill.
Callum McGregor, notably quieter under Nancy, has reemerged as a vocal leader under O’Neill. His return to a familiar midfield role—anchoring the base with two advanced midfielders ahead—has restored a sense of stability. Under Nancy, McGregor often found himself exposed when Celtic lost possession, a consequence of the unorthodox back-three system. But here’s the kicker: McGregor’s relief at being back in familiar territory is palpable.
Speaking to Premier Sports post-match, McGregor reflected on the win: ‘You’ve got to win these games, especially midweek fixtures on astro turf, with less-than-ideal weather. Falkirk is a good side—they test your organization and make you work hard. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but the job was to come here, win, and move on.’ He added, ‘At the end of the season, we’ll look back and mark this as a crucial win. But we know we need to perform better to consistently win games.’
McGregor also praised O’Neill’s impact, noting the manager’s experience and ability to galvanize the squad. ‘He’s been amazing. The atmosphere is great, and the boys are working tirelessly. You saw it in the last 15-20 minutes—everyone was running their socks off to defend. It’s a massive team effort.’
But here’s the controversial question: Is O’Neill’s return merely a short-term fix, or does it signal a deeper shift in Celtic’s fortunes? And what does this mean for McGregor’s future? After a chaotic season marked by managerial changes—including Brendan Rodgers’ departure after a 3-1 loss to Hearts—McGregor has become a symbol of resilience. His crucial goals under O’Neill’s first interim spell, including a late winner against Rangers, remind fans of his value.
As Celtic looks ahead, McGregor’s partnership with O’Neill, Maloney, and Fotheringham—who affectionately calls him ‘The Maestro’—could yield more memorable moments before the season’s end. But we have to ask: Could McGregor ever leave Celtic? With his deep-rooted connection to the club, it seems unlikely. Yet, in football, nothing is certain.
What’s your take? Is O’Neill’s return the key to Celtic’s revival, or is it too early to tell? And do you think McGregor will remain a Hoops legend for years to come? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
