O'Neill Understands Hibs Fans' Dilemma but Expects No Impact on Celtic Clash

Key facts

• Celtic trail leaders Hearts by three points in the Scottish Premiership.
• A victory at Hibernian would level Celtic with Hearts before Rangers visit Hearts on Monday.
• Hibernian trio Grant Hanley, Raphael Sallinger, and Felix Passlack are suspended.
• Rudi Molotnikov (ankle) and Munashe Garananga (hamstring) are out for Hibernian.
• Josh Mulligan may return from an ankle injury for Hibernian.
• Celtic have no new injuries; Jota, Colby Donovan, Julian Araujo, Kasper Schmeichel, and Cameron Carter-Vickers remain out.
• Rangers lost at home to Motherwell on Sunday, slipping to third place.
• Hearts beat Hibernian at Easter Road in their last match.

O'Neill Acknowledges Fan Sentiment but Focuses on Team

Martin O'Neill has said he can "understand" why some Hibernian supporters might not want their Edinburgh rivals Hearts to win the Scottish Premiership, but he does not expect such sentiment to affect Celtic's trip to Easter Road on Sunday. The Celtic manager acknowledged the potential conflict of interest for Hibs fans, who may be torn between wanting their own team to win and not wanting Hearts to triumph. However, O'Neill stressed that any such feelings would not influence his team selection or the coaching staff's approach.

Title Race Heats Up as Celtic Seek to Close Gap

Celtic currently trail league leaders Hearts by three points, but a victory over Hibernian would level them on points before Rangers visit Hearts on Monday. O'Neill's side put pressure on the top two last weekend by beating Falkirk at home, while Rangers lost at Ibrox to Motherwell on Sunday, slipping to third place. Hearts, meanwhile, defeated Hibernian at Easter Road, adding to the intensity of the title race.

O'Neill Calls for Hibs Fans to Refrain from Rivalry Sentiment

O'Neill directly addressed the potential for Hibs fans to be influenced by their rivalry with Hearts. "I can maybe understand that, that maybe some Hibs fans wouldn't want Hearts to win the league but that won't cross over, one to the team selection, two to the coaching staff," he said. He added, "I think they would be more invigorated by news of that. If I could call upon some Hibs fans to refrain from that, that would help." The manager also drew a parallel, noting that some Celtic fans might not want their closest rivals to win the league either.

Team News: Hibernian Hit by Suspensions and Injuries

Hibernian will be without three key players due to suspension: Grant Hanley, Raphael Sallinger, and Felix Passlack. Additionally, Rudi Molotnikov (ankle) and Munashe Garananga (hamstring) remain sidelined. There is a chance Josh Mulligan could return after recovering from an ankle injury. For Celtic, no new injuries, but Jota (knee), Colby Donovan (hamstring), Julian Araujo (thigh), Kasper Schmeichel (shoulder), and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles) are still out.

Stakes High for Sunday's Encounter

The match at Easter Road carries significant implications for the title race. A win for Celtic would not only close the gap on Hearts but also put pressure on Rangers ahead of their Monday clash with Hearts. O'Neill emphasized the importance of winning, stating, "It's only an advantage if you win. We were able to overcome Falkirk, which was great. There is a sense as well that you've done that job for the weekend and then you just sit back." The outcome could reshape the top of the table as the season enters a critical phase.

Outlook: Celtic's Focus Remains on Performance

Despite the external narratives surrounding fan loyalties, O'Neill's focus remains on his team's performance. He dismissed any notion that outside sentiment could affect his players, insisting that the squad is solely concentrated on securing three points. With key players still injured, Celtic will rely on their depth to overcome a Hibernian side missing several starters. The match promises to be a pivotal moment in the Scottish Premiership title race.

The bottom line

• Martin O'Neill understands but dismisses any impact of Hibs fans' potential reluctance to see Hearts win.
• Celtic can go level on points with leaders Hearts if they beat Hibernian on Sunday.
• Hibernian are without three suspended players and two injured, while Celtic have no new injuries but several long-term absentees.
• Rangers' loss to Motherwell has tightened the title race, with Hearts leading by three points.
• O'Neill calls for Hibs fans to refrain from letting rivalry sentiment affect the match.