Celtic’s Martin O’Neill on Hibernian’s Big Test in Pre-Match Presser

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill spoke ahead of the Scottish Premiership match at Hibernian, which kicks off at 12pm on Sunday 25 October at Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh. It is Matchweek 10, and Ryan Lee is the referee.

The main themes were the fitness of defenders returning to training, with O’Neill naming Carter-Vickers and Johnston, and the return of senior players. Celtic are first in the table with 24 points from nine games, while Hibernian are 12th with seven.

Carter-Vickers and Johnston back in training

“Both have trained this morning, which is good news.”

What he said

O’Neill was asked about Carter-Vickers and Johnston and said both had trained on the morning he spoke. He described that as good news.

What he meant

Analysis: Alistair Johnston is the only Celtic player on the absence list for this game, listed with a leg injury. Training is a step towards availability, but O’Neill did not say either player would be in the squad on Sunday.

Defenders’ fitness still being assessed

“They’ve been training now for quite a while, some considerable time, and then we’ll see how they feel tomorrow.”

What he said

O’Neill said the defenders have been training for some considerable time. He added that the medical staff would see how they feel the following day.

What he meant

Analysis: The decision appears to be left open until after the next day’s reaction. That suggests Celtic will not commit to a line-up until they know how the players have responded to training.

Players nearing a return

“It looks as if we’re getting there, which is great news.”

What he said

O’Neill said the players recovering from injury appear to be getting close to a return, and called that great news.

What he meant

Analysis: His tone on the injury situation is positive. Celtic have one player on the absence list for this match, against two for Hibernian, who are without Rocky Bushiri (Achilles tendon problems) and Nicky Cadden (calf injury).

Senior players back in the squad

“Good to get some senior players back fit again.”

What he said

O’Neill said it was good to have some senior players fit again.

What he meant

Analysis: The comment fits a squad that has played often. Celtic’s last six matches, in which they won two and lost four, included Hearts on Sunday 18 October and Celta de Vigo on Thursday 22 October. Their league form is stronger: four wins and one defeat in their last five.

Confidence check: Measured

O’Neill’s words were mostly about fitness, not about Hibernian, and he described the injury news as “good news” and “great news”. He did not say who would start, and his comment on how the defenders feel “tomorrow” shows he is waiting for further checks.

The table gives Celtic a firm base. They lead the league with eight wins from nine, 23 goals scored and five conceded. Hibernian have won two of nine, lost six, and have taken one point from their last five league matches.

Celtic have lost four of their last six matches overall, including a 2-1 home defeat by Celta de Vigo on Thursday 22 October, three days before this game. On his words and those results, O’Neill sounds measured: encouraged by the returns, but not assuming anything.

How to watch

Hibernian vs Celtic kicks off at 12pm UK time on Sunday 25 October, live on Sky Sports Football, NOW. Subscribers can stream it on Sky Go, NOW.