As the Scottish Premiership title race heats up, all eyes will be on Tynecastle this Monday—and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill won't be missing a second of the action.
With only three games remaining, the championship battle is reaching a fever pitch. Celtic are the first of the top three to take the pitch this weekend, traveling to Easter Road on Sunday to face Hibernian. A win there would pull them level on points with league leaders Hearts, setting the stage for a dramatic Monday night showdown between Hearts and Rangers.
Should Rangers emerge victorious in Gorgie, the three title contenders would be separated by just a single point heading into the final stretch. It's the kind of scenario that makes for unforgettable football—and O'Neill isn't about to look away.
"I know some managers say, 'Oh well, don't bother, they'll go for a walk or do something,'" O'Neill said with a grin. "No, I'm glued to it. Don't you worry, I'll be there. If you're asking who I'm cheering on, I have no idea. Don't even ask, I have no idea."
His focus, naturally, is on his own squad first. Celtic still have to host both Rangers and Hearts in the coming weeks, giving them control over their own destiny. But that doesn't mean O'Neill won't be studying every pass, tackle, and goal from Monday's clash.
"It depends on how we do," he added. "If we don't win the game on Sunday, that becomes a different thought process. But at the end of it all, of course I'll be watching—because we have to play those teams."
The Hoops have found their stride at just the right time. Since a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Dundee United, Celtic have rattled off three consecutive league victories and an extra-time win over St Mirren to book their place in the Scottish Cup final against Neil Lennon's Dunfermline.
"I thought that Dundee United result was a big three points dropped," O'Neill reflected. "But I didn't feel we were out of it at that stage. I just didn't—because I knew there would be twists and turns, as it's been proved.
"It put us under enormous pressure to come and win our games, which we've done since then. There's still a distance to go, but we've fought back. That late goal from Kelechi Iheanacho at Dens Park was huge. We followed it up by beating St Mirren and Falkirk.
"We're winning matches. We've got a lot of work to do, but we're still there fighting for the chance."
For fans looking to gear up for this thrilling title race, there's no better time to stock up on your club's colors. Whether you're backing the Hoops, the Gers, or the Jambos, make sure you're dressed for the occasion as the season reaches its unforgettable climax.