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73. It's not just the age of Martin O'Neill, but also around the same number of occasions he mentioned his introductory media briefing that his role was merely a temporary solution at Parkhead.

Following an impressive 4-0 win over Falkirk, which marked his first game as Parkhead boss in over two decades, he made the point again. If there was the slightest uncertainty.

Yet soccer often produces unpredictable effects on people, right?

The image of him positioned with his arms aloft by the pitch is a throwback of past glories, however there were signs in a comprehensive win that Martin O'Neill's managerial prowess has already rubbing off.

"I felt concerned before the game, but that's typical behavior for me," O'Neill explained to the media.

"This relates connected to my significant insecurity problems."

The team displayed some delightful football

As it transpired, fans saw little cause for concern during an evening when concern and tension for those backing the Hoops only existed during warm-up.

The previous manager's exit on Monday came as a shock, however nothing matched the nuclear load dropped from principal investor Dermot Desmond 15 minutes later.

The fallout was insufficient to prevent a group of fans from protesting targeting the leadership at Parkhead, a practice that has turned into regular occurrence lately.

The shareholder even made present at this match, demonstrating the importance of the occasion.

The interim role created intrigue. The squad boast a roster that ought to be able of beating pretty much everyone in the Premiership, however they started the fixture trailing by eight from first place of the league and lacking self-belief.

Despite arriving in the door only one day while missing any practice, he made his influence on Wednesday.

Seasoned wide player Forrest was included for the out-of-form the Japanese midfielder, Auston Trusty was restored to the backline, whereas Marcelo Saracchi took over from the missing Kieran Tierney.

After 45 minutes, Celtic overcome a few close calls and were 2-0 up|ahead by two|leading comfortably through the forward.

The visitors' threat vanished as the hosts secured the match tighter by the throat when Nygren plus Tounekti completed a dominant showing.

"I'm extremely happy to secure victory this fixture the way we did," stated the manager.

"I'm hoping a few of the players have played in this match are old enough to recognize who I am, while newer players I'm not totally sure. They watch this man walking into the changing area and wonder 'what's occurring now?'.

"I'm satisfied, happy considering I believed our performance very well. My nervousness has eased a bit."

Immediately ahead... The Old Firm rivals

Hearts' tie against St Mirren, coupled with Celtic's success, narrows the gap at the summit in the league by six points.

It was routine, yet following the period the defending champions experienced, precisely what they needed.

Immediately ahead lies an altogether different challenge, with Rangers and the Premier Sports Cup knockout match awaiting at Hampden on Sunday.

The players entered the fixture with an intent. We've seen glimpses of this approach, however not with the same the same intensity that has been seen earlier in the current term.

26 shots were aimed towards the opposition net on Wednesday, eleven reached the goal, a couple struck the woodwork. They made over a hundred accurate final third movements, also.

In Kenny, they possess a forward who is grasping the opportunity provided his way.

His two goals showed quick thinking, whereas another could have been scored in the second half.

"Such approach has existed at Celtic for a significant duration," the manager shared with the official channel.

"Occasionally we passed and we played it too quickly."

"In the end, despite being my age I'm learning regarding the squad. I'm learning some of our players are excellent."

O'Neill quipped before the match stating if the match failed to go to plan, he won't be present for the weekend.

So, task completed. Assuming he manages the upcoming challenge, Martin O'Neill should anticipate questions regarding {his future plans|his long-term intentions|what