Celtic F.C. manager Martin O’Neill praised his side’s mental strength after they scored twice late on to beat Heart of Midlothian F.C. 3-1 on Saturday and snatch the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the season.
Celtic secured a fifth consecutive league title and a 14th crown in 15 years after overturning Hearts’ long-held lead at the top of the table with a run of seven straight victories to end the campaign. The Glasgow side had endured a turbulent season marked by fan protests over boardroom decisions and managerial upheaval following the departures of Brendan Rodgers in October and Wilfried Nancy after a brief 33-day spell in charge.
O’Neill who twice returned on an interim basis during the campaign, said the team’s resilience proved decisive in the title race.“We made plenty of mistakes but there is plenty of courage in the team. I’m not talking about physical courage but mental courage which has carried us over the line,” he said.
He described Celtic Park as “the most special place on earth” and praised the players for their performances during the run-in.
Supporters invaded the pitch after Callum Osmand’s stoppage-time goal sealed the victory and the title, though the club could face disciplinary action over the scenes following the final whistle.