Celtic begin a new chapter tonight as Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney take charge for the first time since their surprise appointment as interim management following Brendan Rodgers’ dramatic exit earlier this week.
It’s been a chaotic few days behind the scenes at Parkhead, with Rodgers’ sudden resignation, Dermot Desmond’s explosive statement, and O’Neill’s emotional return dominating headlines.
But tonight, the focus finally returns to football as Celtic host Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, a match that marks the start of O’Neill’s second spell in the dugout, almost two decades after he last led the club.
For supporters, this fixture is more than just a league game. It represents a clean slate, an opportunity to see how O’Neill and Maloney plan to reshape a side that has looked disjointed and short of confidence in recent weeks. After back-to-back league defeats and growing fan frustration, a strong performance under the lights at Celtic Park could go a long way to settling nerves and restoring belief.
Maloney’s presence in the dugout adds another layer of intrigue. Once a key player under O’Neill during the club’s successful early-2000s era, the pair now reunite in very different roles. Their task is immediate and demanding, to lift morale, restore structure, and prepare the squad for a huge Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden this weekend.
The interim duo have made several bold calls in their first team selection, opting for a mix of senior figures and players looking to make an impression under new management. The confirmed starting XI has now been released, giving fans the first glimpse of how O’Neill plans to line up his side for this crucial fixture.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm at Celtic Park, where a large crowd is expected despite the midweek scheduling. Follow CeltsAreHere for live updates, analysis, and full post-match coverage as Celtic aim to begin this new era with a statement performance and a place in the next round of the cup.
