Celtic manager Martin O'Neill believes the 7-1 thrashing of Hearts vindicated his decision to remain upbeat following the team's 4-1 defeat to Benfica in Lisbon last week.
The Hoops boss faced criticism from some supporters and fan media for focusing on the positives after the European loss, particularly the spirited second-half display inspired by substitutes Haissem Hassan and Callum Osmand. O'Neill rewarded the pair with starting places on Sunday, and his faith was justified as the champions overwhelmed last season's Premiership runners-up.
O'Neill responds to media criticism
Speaking to Celtic Player, interviewer Gerry McCulloch suggested the reaction in some sections of the fan media to O'Neill's post-match comments had been unfair. O'Neill responded: "Well, the interesting thing you talk about the media, in all honesty, is that I know whatever you say, it'll go whatever way they want it to go. But I was really positive about the second half."
He added: "I told the players in the dressing room after the Benfica game that that's it, we've got to take the positive side of it, otherwise you just might as well lie down. I wasn't widely bothered about what media or fanzines were saying at the end of it all, as long as the players believed it was the most important thing. And they certainly did."
Osmand impresses on first start
The 74-year-old was particularly pleased with the performance of Osmand, who marked his first senior start with a first-half brace. Asked if the result instils new confidence in the team, O'Neill said: "It does, absolutely. And particularly the players who scored the goals as well, too, they feel as if they've made major contributions to the game."
He continued: "I mean, for instance, if you think that young Osman playing wide, that was his first start ever for Celtic. He's played wide, it's not really his favourite position. He wants to probably play alongside the centre-forward. Hopefully that will happen in time. Callum did very, very well, scored the goals, and looked a really decent player."
Europa League showdown ahead
O'Neill now wants his side to carry that momentum into Thursday's Europa League clash with Celta Vigo, as Celtic bid to revive a campaign that has started with two consecutive defeats. Another slip-up would leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by a thread.
O'Neill added: "I think that's right. I think we've been beaten by Hearts then again, it's a game that you could do without nearly. But I think for us to try and get back on track again is the most important thing. We desperately want to try and qualify for the knockout stage of the competition, which we did last year. We're off to a poor start in terms of results. But we try and put it right on Thursday night against a side who can consider themselves really unlucky in a couple of their games. They've conceded late goals as well, particularly against Juventus, and so they'll be looking for three points themselves. Hopefully it should make for an open game."
