Julian Araujo scored a dramatic last-gasp winner deep into stoppage time as Celtic claimed a huge three points in the Premiership title race to triumph 3-2 at Kilmarnock, but Martin O’Neill revealed a worrying injury blow in his post-match press conference.
O’Neill says Celtic’s win at Killie ‘not great for my health’
O’Neill praised his side’s character but said standards must improve after Sunday’s dramatic comeback victory at Rugby Park.
After scoring last-minute winners against Dundee and Livingston in their previous two matches, they again left it late as Araujo lashed home to send the away end delirious and keep the Hoops within three points of top spot.
In his 300th game in charge of Celtic, O’Neill likened his side’s resolve to that of his previous Hoops sides, though he admitted it was draining to continually watch his team leave it so late.
“Twenty-odd years ago, I managed a really fine team, who had loads of spirit, loads of determination and always saw it to the end.
“There were many traits here about this side and they’ve shown fantastic character, after a poor first half against a strong Kilmarnock side. We were 2-0 down at half-time and we never gave up.
“You can throw all the usual accolades around, but the players deserve them today because even at half-time, when we were so poor, there was still that feeling that we could turn it around if we could get a relatively early goal in the second half, and that’s what happened.
“Obviously, it’s unbelievably satisfying to win, and to win in the manner in which we did at the end was terrific. If that’s the way you have to win the games, though, if you have to win them like that, you just can’t keep doing that.
“It’s both worrying me and, well, it’s not great for my health. It’s really draining, honestly. Some of these lads, my coaching staff, I look around, they’re much, much younger than me and I think they can take the strain, but not for me.”
Worse than Schmeichel vs Killie: Celtic flop should have been sold in January
This Celtic flop who was worse than Kasper Schmeichel should have been sold in the January window.
The manager also confirmed some worrying injury news on one of his top players…
Arne Engels set to miss up to two months with thigh injury
Arne Engels limped off against Livingston in midweek, and O’Neill confirmed after the win at Killie that the midfielder is facing around six weeks out of action.
“It’s his thigh and it’s a big loss for us, absolutely,” the Northern Irishman said.
|
Matches Engels could miss |
Competition |
|---|---|
|
Stuttgart (H) |
Europa League |
|
Hibernian (H) |
Premiership |
|
Stuttgart (A) |
Europa League |
|
Rangers (A) |
Premiership |
|
Aberdeen (A) |
Premiership |
|
Rangers (A) |
Scottish Cup |
|
Motherwell (H) |
Premiership |
|
Dundee Utd (A) |
Premiership |
Engels is the subject of intense interest from Premier League side Nottingham Forest, such has been his impact for the Hoops this season, scoring five goals and providing five assists in all competitions.
O’Neill joked he would only sell the Belgian for £100m when Forest came knocking with a £25m bid in January, but will now have to make do without his playmaker for close to two months.