Martin O'Neill's pre-match prediction of a tough battle at Easter Road proved spot on, but his Celtic side showed their championship mettle by grinding out a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hibernian. The result was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Hoops, who now sit joint top of the Premiership table heading into a crucial Monday clash between Hearts and Rangers at Tynecastle.

The scoring got underway just before the break when Daizen Maeda found the back of the net, giving Celtic a crucial lead to protect. But the real drama came late in the second half when substitute Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up to deliver a moment of pure class. His composed finish, after what seemed like an eternity for the ball to drop, sealed the three points and sent the traveling support into raptures.

"It was a big result for us," O'Neill admitted to Celtic TV after the match. "We started strongly, kept good possession, and created several clear chances that we unfortunately missed. But we finally got in front, and that made all the difference." The manager acknowledged his side made things harder than necessary, particularly in a tense second half, but praised Iheanacho's impact off the bench. "Coming into the game as a substitute is never easy—you have to find your rhythm quickly. But he showed incredible composure. The ball took ages to come down, yet he still put it away like only he can."

This victory not only keeps Celtic in the title race but also sets the stage for an exciting run-in. With the derby looming large, O'Neill is already looking ahead: "We're just going to get ourselves physically and mentally prepared for the next challenge. Whatever happens tomorrow, we've done our job today." For fans, this win feels like a statement—a reminder that this Celtic side has the grit and quality to go all the way.