Celtic would have been a stronger side this season if Dan Neil had not chosen to join Rangers, according to former Ireland international Jeff Hendrick. The ex-Newcastle United and Derby County midfielder admits he would have liked to see the former Sunderland skipper turn out for the Scottish champions this term.
Instant impact at Ibrox
Neil was a long-term target for the Light Blues, having been high on former boss Danny Rohl's Ibrox wish list in the January window, but opted to try his luck in the English Championship with Ipswich Town. The 24-year-old helped The Tractor Boys secure their return to the Premier League, which was his second consecutive promotion from the English Championship after captaining Sunderland to promotion in the previous season.
After failing to hold down a regular starting spot at Portman Road and becoming a free agent, Rangers won the race to snap up the Englishman. He has made an instant impact at Ibrox, standing in as captain for injured skipper Lawrence Shankland while impressing in two victories over Celtic last month.
Hendrick's verdict on Neil
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Hendrick said: "Obviously Dan Neil been a good addition for Rangers now and it's made Celtic probably a bit weaker. If you had flipped it, Celtic would have been stronger having him in the door and Rangers would have been weaker."
"So I think it just shows he's a good player. He receives the ball well, he's tidy, and he knows where his next pass is going to be. So I think yeah, he's a good, solid player and Celtic probably missed out. I don't know why he chose Rangers over them, but I would have liked to have seen him in the green and white."
O'Neill's legacy secure
Hendrick's former Ireland boss Martin O'Neill is facing major scrutiny with the Premiership season set to restart this weekend. The Celtic gaffer has opted to remain in charge at Parkhead after a run of three consecutive defeats heading into the international break.
Hendrick reckons the legacy of the 74-year-old is secure no matter what the season brings, adding: "Obviously there's Jock Stein, who is quite untouchable. But I'd say among the modern managers, he's right up there. I know Brendan Rodgers did really well, there was that sticky phase where Rangers weren't in the league for a while. Ange did well. But I think for what Martin has done over two different spells, I'd say he's just behind Jock Stein."
"Obviously they were talking last year about building a statue for the man, Martin O'Neill's legacy is secure. I know he's had a tough six weeks, but for what he's done for the club in his first time there, and then even coming back and helping the club and winning the league and all, I don't think a bad six weeks will wipe that away."
