Celtic host Rangers in vital Old Firm clash to sustain title hopes
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill insists his side must defeat Rangers in Sunday’s final Old Firm derby of the season to keep their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive.
The Bhoys currently trail league leaders Hearts by three points with only three matches remaining.
Defeat to their fiercest rivals at Parkhead would effectively end any realistic chance of retaining the championship.
Rangers saw their own title aspirations extinguished following consecutive defeats to Motherwell and Hearts.
However, the visitors still have plenty to play for as they chase a second-place finish and a coveted Champions League qualifying spot.
O’Neill prepares for potential farewell
The upcoming fixture is widely expected to be the Northern Irishman’s final Glasgow derby.
He is determined to end his third managerial spell at the club on a triumphant note.
“At home, we have to try and get on the front foot as early as possible and try and win the game.”
The veteran coach believes his squad still has the momentum needed to catch the pacesetters.
“We still feel the title is in our own grasp at this minute. We’ve got some goals to try and make up, but that’s a long way off.”
He also acknowledged that the away side will be desperate to bounce back from recent disappointments.
“I’ll expect a strong, strong reaction from Rangers. We’ve got to be strong ourselves and hopefully we can do that.”
Röhl demands pride and passion
Danny Röhl has yet to defeat his Celtic counterpart in league action this season.
Despite drawing their previous Premiership encounter and suffering two cup exits, the German tactician remains optimistic.
He recently dismissed speculation linking him with a move to the Bundesliga, reiterating his absolute commitment to the Ibrox club.
“Nobody needs extra motivation to go in this game.”
“We want to make our supporters and fans proud and that means we have to deliver on Sunday.”
The Gers did emerge victorious during their last visit to Glasgow’s East End, recovering from a first-half deficit to secure a vital 3-1 win.
Röhl highlighted that impressive comeback as proof of his squad’s resilience when faced with severe adversity.
“We showed we can do that. That’s when we really felt the belief that even when things don’t go right in a game we can turn them in the right direction.”