Martin O’Neill made a perfect return for Celtic following the surprise departure of Brendan Rodgers, leading him to a much-anticipated 4-0 win over Falkirk.
The veteran manager returned to the Parkhead dugout for the first time in 20 years with “nervous excitement” as he and interim assistant Sean Maloney sought to get the Hoops back to winning ways after a tumultuous few days.
Johnny Kenny held his position up front and rewarded O’Neill with a first-half double and headed in the rebound to make it 2-0.
Martin O’Neill wins first game back as interim manager at Celtic
Falkirk, unbeaten in their last three Premiership games, did not threaten much with Benjamin Nygren spinning the ball around and Sebastian Tunetoki scoring his first Parkhead goal to bring the game to a close.
Falkirk are currently seventh, six points behind leaders Hearts.
Celtic return to victory as protests continue
Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond was keeping an eye on Parkhead.
Fans continued to protest against Celtic’s board before the game, with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond making a rare appearance at Parkhead after making comments accusing Rodgers of being a negative influence on the club.
After consecutive losses, the experienced O’Neill made three changes to his defense, starting James Forrest.
Celtic started purposefully but initially struggled to trouble Bairns goalkeeper Scott Bain.
The breakthrough came when Nygren’s shot bounced off the post and Kenny shot the rebound.
Falkirk soon came close to equalizing, but Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi’s shot was denied by Kasper Schmeichel, after which Celtic took control.
Nygren and Kenny met for the second time before Nygren took advantage of a poor parry by Bain and Tunekti scored from close range.
It’s a much-needed boost for the Hoops ahead of Sunday’s crucial League Cup semi-final against Rangers.
“Recovery of confidence”
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Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill says Celtic’s 4-0 win over Falkirk has given them confidence back.
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill told Sky Sports News:
“I’m happy to win the match. I don’t think I’ve been this nervous since the 11+ matches!”
“We made some great plays as well. The goal was obviously very important for us and it was great. We just got our confidence back.”
“I had really great help from the backroom staff and all the staff were really great.
“I’m really happy, I’m happy with the performance, I’m happy with the way we’re doing.”
“It doesn’t decide the season.”
Falkirk manager John McGlynn
Falkirk manager John McGlynn said on Sky Sports:
“That doesn’t define our season.
“When they are at that level, unfortunately we are not at that level. They are too quick and too sharp in their attacks.
“We came here with two really, really good wins, back-to-back wins, first home win, and our players came here with confidence.
“We’ve caught them twice when they (Celtic) have been very good. Celtic are below average and we need to be on top of the game. And tonight Celtic were on top of the game and we can’t compete in those situations.”
