In a throwback to 20 years ago, Martin O’Neill will be deciding on his Celtic starting XI to face Falkirk in the Premiership on Wednesday evening.
With Shaun Maloney as his right-hand man, the duo have stepped into the Celtic Park dugout as interim choices following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation.
It’s unclear how many games the duo will be handed in charge as the search for a long-term successor gets underway.
There’s little time for preparations, and as they currently sit eight points behind Hearts, Celtic can’t afford to drop any more points.
The focus will then turn to the weekend, where a huge Old Firm Derby awaits against Rangers in the semi-final of the cup.
How Celtic could line up against Falkirk
On Monday, hours before the news broke of the rumblings at Celtic, O’Neill was speaking about the club’s situation on talkSPORT.
Interestingly, he said how the side lacked physicality in the defeat against Hearts, which may provide some evidence of his upcoming selections.
He said: “Celtic can still play some beautiful football, but you have got to add to that by being a bit physical. When teams are physical against you, you have to be able to do that.
“Celtic just need to settle down. They have lost their way a little bit. Hearts are riding high, a long way to go.”
It’s unusual for managers to come into a club on short notice and completely change the starting line-up and tactics.
Typically, they plan for gradual changes with an opportunity to work on new formations on the training ground.
Therefore, O’Neill is expected to maintain consistency with the formation and stick with a 4-3-3, although personnel could be changed.
One player who could benefit from O’Neill’s appointment is Paulo Bernardo, who has been limited to just one Premiership start this season. His cause may be helped by the drop in form of Reo Hatate, who looks as though he could do with a prolonged rest.
Another who could drop out is Benjamin Nygren, who has struggled for form this season. His lack of physical presence could be replaced by Shin Yamada, who is eager for more minutes since his arrival.
Kelechi Iheanacho remains injured, and therefore O’Neill will have a decision to make in attack. Daizen Maeda is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury, but Wednesday may come too soon.
Celtic predicted XI vs Falkirk: Schmeichel, Donovan, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Engels, McCowan, Yamada, Tounekti, Kenny.
75.5% – Martin O’Neill has the best win rate of any manager in Celtic’s history, winning 213 of his 282 games in charge between 2000-01 and 2004-05. Unexpected. pic.twitter.com/r7T7mTvqpd
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 28, 2025
Celtic XI in Martin O’Neill’s last match in charge
O’Neill’s last starting XI before he departed in 2005 is a stark contrast to that of the current crop of players.
It came in the Scottish Cup Final when Celtic ran out 1-0 winners over Dundee United thanks to an 11th-minute winner by Alan Thompson.
Rab Douglas started in goal, behind Didier Agathe, Bobo Balde, Stanislav Varga and Jackie McNamara, who occupied the back four.
In midfield, Celtic had the privilege of Stylian Petrov alongside Neil Lennon and Thompson.
Across the front three was the formidable trio of Chris Sutton, Craig Bellamy and John Hartson.
On the bench were David Marshall, Joos Valgaeren, Paul Lambert, Aiden McGeady and Craig Beattie.
