Martin O'Neill defends misfiring Celtic striker, gives Hearts-Rangers verdict and reveals when Jota may start

O’Neill, watched his side take a share of the points in a 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Celtic Park on Wednesday, with Liam Scales’ 65th minute goal cancelling out first-half strikes from Zac Sapsford and Neil Farrugia after Camilo Duran had given Celtic an early lead.

Despite dropping two points at home, his side lost zero ground in the title race, and remain four points ahead of second-placed Rangers, who were forced to rely on a late equaliser from Olwethu Makhanya in a 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle and the veteran boss believes it could end up being more valuable than first imagined come the end of the campaign.

“I thought that we were very, very strong in the second half,” said O’Neill. “From our viewpoint, we conceded some poor goals. But we fought back and I just thought we were going to win it. But we ended up losing it as well too on the break. I thought Dundee United were very dangerous. And they played very well in the game. Just a bit of frustration that we didn't win with the possession and the territory that we had. We didn't get the winning goal.

“We cannot control anything that's happening elsewhere. The disappointment and the frustration comes from not winning a home game. That's really it. But considering the trials and tribulations over the last number of weeks, yeah, I'm not totally dissatisfied. Who's to say how important the point might be.”

The 74-year-old also praised the impact of half-time substitute Jota, but refused to criticise the man he replaced, Kasper Hogh, who was taken off at the break to take his run of games without a goal to 13.

“Callum Osmand’s natural position as a striker or playing alongside somebody that's got a bit of strength,” said O’Neill. “I've been really pleased with him. But we made the changes. Kasper [Hogh] again, I thought, worked really hard in the match for us and set up the goal for us as well too. But we just wanted a change. We thought if we want to go wide with the two players, you can take people on. He played a part.

“I thought he worked exceptionally hard for us again. One or two things that he tried maybe didn't come off. But overall, he's made the goal. That will give him a boost of confidence. Yeah, you're right. So we put on two wide players. Sometimes you're gambling as well too. So as I said to you about Dundee United on the break. And then on one occasion, we played a short corner and lost it. Mika Baur makes a fantastic effort to get back. Saved the night for us. But I'm still pleased with the team.

“When he [Jota] was here the first time, obviously, I wasn't here. I hear very good things about him. He's a really fine player. And yeah, so if he could get back to that type of form, which is going to take a little bit of time, having been so long out of the game. So yeah, I think that's [starting games] is a little bit off at the moment.”

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