Martin O’Neill was asking for some respect – and he is getting all that and more after an improbable Celtic return

Derry man believes he was undermined and underappreciated during his time as Republic of Ireland boss

Martin O’Neill during Celtic’s 4-0 Scottish Premiership win over Falkirk at Parkhead on Wednesday night. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

A burning sense of unfinished business lingered for Martin O’Neill as his managerial career came to an end in circumstances that left an unpleasant aftertaste.

His reign as Ireland manager concluded in November 2018 with the tide of popular opinion turning against him and his assistant Roy Keane, as poor results were combined with a perception that the duo’s brand of abrasive management was out of place among a new generation of players.