O'Neill dismisses Hibs conceding Celtic match talk

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill dismissed speculation that Hibernian might concede their Scottish Premiership match against his team on Sunday at Easter Road, insisting the talk would only motivate the hosts. The fixture carries added intrigue in a tight title race, as a Hibs victory would directly aid Edinburgh rivals Hearts in their bid for a first top-flight crown in over 60 years.

O'Neill, speaking ahead of the clash, acknowledged that some Hibs supporters prefer a Celtic win to deny Hearts any boost. "I can maybe understand that, that maybe some Hibs fans wouldnt want Hearts to win the league," he said. "But that wont cross over to their team selection, to the coaching staff, absolutely not, and to the players. In fact, I think they would be more invigorated by the news of that there, so if I could call upon some Hibs fans to refrain from that, that would help."

Hibs head coach David Gray has similarly rejected suggestions of lacking professionalism, emphasizing his side's intent to compete. Hibs already defeated Celtic at Celtic Park earlier this season and will aim to complete a double, posing a significant challenge. O'Neill described the game as "a really, really...