'Wily old fox O'Neill knows exactly what's required to win' - Aitken
Former Celtic captain Roy Aitken believes the club are peaking at the right time as they aim for their fifth Premiership title in a row. Aitken captained the side in 1986 when the title race went down to the final day and Celtic were able to pip Hearts to glory on goal difference. Now Celtic, currently a point behind before tonight's visit to Motherwell, are aiming to set up a final-day decider with the table-topping Tynecastle men, who host Falkirk.
Hearts had their first post-split slip-up at Motherwell last weekend, drawing 1-1, while Celtic's derby victory over Rangers extended their winning streak to six games. "That year in 1986 we went eight games on the trot winning," Aitken told BBC Radio Scotland. "It was only two points for a win as well.
The fact Celtic have closed that gap on Hearts in the last few weeks, Celtic have momentum. " If Celtic get the title over the line it would be O'Neill's fourth as the club's manager and Aitken suggests the Northern Irishman would regard it as one of the sweetest. "I think Martin would have it up there with his triumphs of the past," he added.
"Celtic have gone through a little bit of turmoil this season and had Martin stayed on during the period they had Wilfried Nancy, they might be in a totally different position. "Celtic were given no chance during the course of this season, it's only now they're in the mix. It's been a fantastic achievement for him.
"He's a wily old fox, he's been there and done it before. He knows exactly what it's required. Celtic have momentum at the right time.