The Scottish Premiership title race is heating up, and Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill knows there's "little margin for error" in what's shaping up to be a thrilling three-way battle. After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday, Celtic have pulled level with long-time leaders Hearts at the top of the table—separated only by goal difference.
The reigning champions made things difficult for themselves against a Hibs side that saw a fourth red card in just three games, but they found a way to grind out the result. Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to score the winner, providing a crucial spark when Celtic needed it most. The win has brought a wave of relief to the Celtic camp, but O'Neill knows the job is far from over.
With Rangers sitting four points behind both Celtic and Hearts, all eyes now turn to Monday's clash at Tynecastle, where the Gers face Hearts in a match that could define the season. It's a rare moment where Celtic fans might find themselves pondering an unusual question: do they want their bitter Glasgow rivals to win?
A Hearts victory would all but end Rangers' title hopes, leaving them seven points adrift with only three games remaining. But it would also restore Hearts' three-point cushion, with Celtic still set to host both title rivals in the run-in. O'Neill admits he's torn on what result would suit his side best.
"What do I want for tomorrow? I genuinely don't know," O'Neill confessed. "Even if we won the rest of the games, we're not guaranteed to win the league. If Hearts won all their games, they've got a better goal difference than us. So maybe a draw. With a draw, at least people drop points."
It's a pragmatic take from a manager who knows every point matters in this tight race. For now, O'Neill and his squad can enjoy a brief moment of satisfaction, having piled the pressure back on their rivals. As the manager put it, "We've won today, so there's a bit of relief for 24 hours." But with the title race wide open, the real drama is just beginning. Whether you're backing Celtic, Hearts, or Rangers, one thing's for sure: the Scottish Premiership is delivering edge-of-your-seat action that no fan—or apparel enthusiast—should miss.