The Glasgow derby is always a spectacle, but Sunday's clash at Celtic Park carries even more weight as the season enters its final stretch. Martin O'Neill, no stranger to the intensity of this fixture, is relishing the opportunity to lead his side against their city rivals once again.

With three league games remaining, Celtic sit second in the table—four points clear of Rangers and three behind league leaders Hearts, who face Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday. Every point is crucial at this stage, and O'Neill knows his team must deliver a commanding performance to keep their title hopes alive.

Sunday will mark O'Neill's fourth encounter with Rangers this season, following two cup wins and a league draw in their previous meetings. However, this will be his first derby at Celtic Park since 2005, adding an extra layer of excitement for the home crowd.

"I'm really looking forward to the game," O'Neill said. "There's plenty to play for—there always seems to be, but particularly now, coming to the back end of the season. You would have to say it's actually out of Rangers' hands, so from that viewpoint, that's probably the only thing that's changed. That's not to say you would rule them out, but with games running out, it's out of their hands."

The manager also acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that Rangers will be determined to bounce back. "Regardless of what the result was before, it will be a strong Rangers side, and I think there'll be a big reaction as well, so we've got to be ready for that ourselves. But the place will be rocking on Sunday."

In positive team news, Daizen Maeda has been declared fit for the weekend after limping off late in last week's victory over Hibernian at Easter Road. O'Neill also believes the squad is in better shape than when the sides met in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox in March.

"In terms of players who were missing from that game, absolutely," O'Neill explained. "The captain didn't play, and we had a few injury problems. We were also coming off the fourth game in about eight or nine days, so we're in a better frame of mind. It doesn't guarantee anything, but it augurs well."

With the title race heating up and the atmosphere at Celtic Park sure to be electric, Sunday's derby promises to be a defining moment in the season. For fans and players alike, this is the kind of match that makes Scottish football unforgettable.