Interim Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has received a significant boost ahead of Sunday's pivotal Old Firm derby at Celtic Park, confirming that key forward Daizen Maeda has overcome a recent injury concern and is available for selection. The match represents O'Neill's first derby at the iconic ground in over two decades and, by his own admission, is likely to be his last in charge of the fixture.
Maeda's fitness is a major talking point. The Japanese international, who was last season's top scorer for the Hoops, has been in blistering form, netting four goals in his last three appearances. His availability was in doubt after he limped off holding his boot following Celtic's hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Hibernian last Sunday. However, O'Neill provided a positive update, stating the player has trained without any adverse reaction and is ready to contribute to the title run-in.
The context for this derby is a Scottish Premiership title race that has defied recent history. Celtic, the defending champions who have won the league in 13 of the last 14 seasons, find themselves in the unfamiliar position of chasing the leaders. With three matches remaining, they sit three points behind surprise package Hearts, who hold a superior goal difference and visit Motherwell on Saturday. Rangers, meanwhile, are seven points off the summit, making this derby a must-win for their fading hopes as much as for Celtic's.
O'Neill, 74, spoke candidly about the psychological shift for his squad. He noted that the club is not accustomed to being in a chasing position, having often enjoyed comfortable leads in recent years. The manager emphasized that the pressure is a new experience for many of his players, but framed it as a challenge they must embrace. "You've been chasing, you have to keep chasing," he remarked, highlighting the relentless nature of the final stretch.
The Northern Irishman's record in Old Firm derbies this season is impeccable. Across two separate spells as interim boss, he is unbeaten in three meetings with Rangers, securing victories in both the Scottish Cup and League Cup after extra time, and earning a draw at Ibrox in the league. This current run adds a layer of tactical intrigue to Sunday's encounter, as Rangers seek to break that sequence.
Historically, O'Neill's connection to this fixture runs deep. During his first tenure at Celtic Park from 2000 to 2005, he oversaw 27 Old Firm derbies, winning 16, drawing three, and losing eight. His return to the dugout has rekindled memories of those intense battles, and he spoke with reverence about the unique atmosphere, comparing it favorably to any in Britain or Europe.
For Rangers, the trip to the east end of Glasgow offers a chance to salvage pride and potentially play spoiler. Although they have lost their last two league matches, they did secure a victory on their last visit to Celtic Park in January, albeit under different management with Wilfried Nancy in the opposing dugout. That result will provide a psychological reference point for the visitors.
O'Neill was measured when asked if his team's current four-game winning streak in the league constitutes perfect momentum. He cautioned against over-analysis, stating that each match has been a difficult hurdle to clear. His focus remains squarely on the derby, which he believes "looks after itself" due to its inherent intensity and significance.
Addressing his own future, O'Neill was succinct, replying "most likely" when questioned if this would be his final Old Firm derby. His reflections on the fixture's atmosphere—recalling the "rocking" environment at Ibrox earlier this season—suggest a manager savoring the occasion, even as he prepares his team for a high-stakes battle with profound implications for the championship.
The outcome on Sunday will significantly shape the title narrative. A Celtic victory would keep the pressure firmly on Hearts and maintain their hopes of a successful title defense. A Rangers win, however, could hand the initiative to the Edinburgh club and leave Celtic with a mountain to climb in their final two fixtures. All eyes will be on Celtic Park for a derby that carries the weight of a season.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
