Lubomir Moravcik sends strong message to the Celtic board should Martin O'Neill beat Rangers

Martin O’Neill takes on Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup and the Celtic board have a message ringing in their ears ahead of the big game.

O’Neill’s return to Celtic was a shock for Scottish football after Brendan Rodgers resigned from the Parkhead club this week.

After overseeing Celtic’s win over Falkirk, there is an air of optimism from the Hoops support heading into the cup semi-final game against Rangers this afternoon.

And if O’Neill can guide Celtic past Rangers to the final, Parkhead legend Lubomir Moravcik has told the board what they must do if the 73-year-old gets the Bhoys to the final.

Celtic board told Martin O’Neill deserves the Premier Sports Cup final if he can beat Rangers

With the speculation surrounding the next permanent Celtic manager rife, Moravcik tells the board that if O’Neill reaches the final, he should be allowed to lead the team out at Hampden next month.

Moravcik told The Sunday Post, “The past few days have been incredible. Martin is 73, still full of energy, and back in football. I am delighted for him. He is an incredible manager and a special man.

“Make no mistake, he will be giving it his all and fully focused on beating Rangers on Sunday.

“The team will be confident of beating Rangers on Sunday and they have every right to be.

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“If they win this game – and I believe they will – then Martin should be given the final at Hampden next month. He would deserve the opportunity to win that trophy for the club.

“His last game for Celtic in his first spell was at Hampden in the 2005 Scottish Cup final and the team won. It would be nice to add another to the list.”

Lubomir Moravcik touts O’Neill for Celtic job full time after Dermot Desmond plea

Should O’Neill be given the permanent Celtic manager’s job if he continues to keep the team on a winning run? Moravcik believes so.

The Hoops legend continued, “But I do not know what the full situation is. Nothing appears to be certain, one way or another.

“Martin could be in charge for one more week or for one more year. If he keeps winning, then he deserves to stay in the job. Why not?

“I hope it all works out well for him. He has helped the club in its hour of need and answered the call from Dermot Desmond.”

At 73, it all depends on whether O’Neill feels he still has that fire in his belly to continue in full-time club management.

As his legendary status continues in the eyes of Celtic supporters, is O’Neill the right man to take the club forward with this board in charge?

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