Celtic’s victory over Falkirk was far from a flowing performance.
Martin O’Neill’s side had to dig in defensively and lean on their goalkeeper at times, but they did enough to come away with a 1–0 win and another clean sheet.
Chances were limited, yet Benjamin Nygren’s first-half header proved decisive and secured the points, marking Celtic’s second win since O’Neill returned to the dugout.
Both victories under his latest interim spell have come without conceding a goal, something Wilfried Nancy failed to achieve in eight matches. Callum McGregor, who was relatively quiet during Nancy’s tenure, has also been a calming presence again under O’Neill.
Callum McGregor reflects on Falkirk win
McGregor has resumed his familiar role at the base of midfield, with two more advanced players operating ahead of him. Under Nancy, he was often left exposed defensively as Celtic used an unusual back three, so the change has clearly suited him.
Speaking to Premier Sports after the match, McGregor said: “You have to win these games, especially midweek on an astro pitch when the weather isn’t great.
“They’re a good side who test you physically and organisationally, so we knew it wouldn’t be easy. The job was to come here, get the win and move on.
“There will be games like this where you don’t play well, particularly against decent opposition. At the end of the season, this will be one we look back on as a big result.
“Performance-wise, we know we need to be better to keep winning consistently, but after a really tough four weeks, that result is massive. It shows the mentality is back, with clean sheets and grinding out a 1–0 win.
“O’Neill is such an experienced manager. The first time he came in, he gave the players a huge lift, and this time it feels like we’ve picked up where we left off.
“The atmosphere is really good, everyone is working hard. In the last 15 or 20 minutes, you could see people running themselves into the ground to defend properly. It’s a huge team effort and the staff have been brilliant. We just need to keep backing it up with wins.”
McGregor’s season in context
Managerial upheaval has been rare during McGregor’s Celtic career, but this season has been anything but stable.
His first major contribution came with a goal in a 3–1 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle, which proved to be Brendan Rodgers’ final match in charge. He then scored twice during O’Neill’s first interim spell, netting in extra time against Rangers and in stoppage time against St Mirren.
Now reunited with O’Neill, along with Shaun Maloney and Stephen Fotheringham, who famously calls him “The Maestro,” McGregor looks well placed to play a key role again as the season reaches its decisive stages.