Martin O’Neill set for Celtic Park return

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·16 Januari 2025

Martin O’Neill set for Celtic Park return

Martin O’Neill is set for a return to Celtic Park on Saturday evening as the Hoops take on Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup…

Martin O’Neill manager of the Republic of Ireland appeals to the assistant referee during the EURO 2016 Group D Qualifier match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on November 14, 2014. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers’ side will be aiming for a response after their chaotic 3-3 draw with Dundee at Dens Park on Tuesday night where Arne Engels’ stoppage time penalty salvaged a point for the runaway league leaders.

Video OneFootball

Celtic kickstart their defence of the competition against familiar opponents on Saturday with an unusual kick-off time of 5:30pm.

Derek McInnes previews Celtic v Kilmarnock

It’s been very much an up and down season for Kilmarnock with Derek McInnes’ men currently sitting 9th in the Scottish Premiership table, and just one point ahead of Hearts who linger in the relegation play-off position.

However, Killie do know a thing or two about pulling off dramatic cup shocks against Celtic. It was only last season the Ayrshire club became the first team to knock a Brendan Rodgers Hoops’ side out of a domestic cup competition over his two spells as Celtic manager.

Premier Sports coverage

With the match being shown live on Premier Sports, legendary ex Celtic manager Martin O’Neill will provide expert analysis alongside former Aston Villa and Tottenham defender Alan Hutton. Emma Dodds will present the show and duo Rory Hamilton and Michael Stewart are on commentary duties.

Martin O’Neill of Celtic celebrates victory with his players after his last game in charge after winning The Tennents Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Dundee United at Hampden Park on May 28, 2005. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Martin O’Neill won the Scottish Cup three times as Celtic manager

As Celtic boss, O’Neill lifted the Scottish Cup on three occasions during his five year spell in Glasgow’s East End – 2001, 2004 and 2005.

Brendan Rodgers can go one better this season if the Irishman manages to clinch the oldest trophy in club football which would surely secure an historic ninth Treble in Celtic’s prestigious 137-year history.

Conor Spence