O’Neill, much like predecessor Brendan Rodgers, is a showman.
The self-deprecating Northern Irishman might have carried himself with a humble air of astonishment over these last few weeks, but his presence has been a PR and coaching masterstroke.
The wily old fox, his patter and his influence has juxtaposed a disconnect between the board and the stands.
Fan disruption at the recent club AGM led to it being abandoned, and during Rodgers’ final months, protests were a regular thing.
Fury and venom at Celtic’s calamitous attempt at a Champions League bid and a transfer window has spewed and sparked like hot lava from sections of the support.
O’Neill’s arrival was a gear change. It provided a unity and a serene calm in the midst of discombobulation and disquiet.
Eight games, seven wins, and a League Cup final reached.
Celtic have gone from being eight points off the top to level with Hearts and hold a game in hand. It’s not all been swashbuckling like it was in Rotterdam – when they beat Feyenoord in the Europa League – but ways to win have been found.
“It’s like a complete blur,” said O’Neill after claiming it’s been “the time of his life” back at Celtic.
“I was secretly hoping that Easter Road [against Hibernan last Sunday] was going to be the last game, so I didn’t want to make a mess of it tonight.
“It wasn’t the most flamboyant of victories. But three points on the board keeps it going. How did Hearts do?”
