Journalist dreams & Robbie Keane reunion? How Martin O’Neill continues to revive Celtic

He made the assembled media group chuckle as he told some newspaper journalists that he had seen their faces in his sleep; Such was the interest in possible transfers at Parkhead.

And he fascinated not only the media, but also his players.

Celtic’s ill-fated squad, who have found ways to lose under Nancy and, to a lesser extent, Rodgers, are now grinding out results, although the 10-man Premiership champions failed to beat current leaders Hearts at the weekend.

However, the upturn in performances and results since Nancy’s disastrous tenure is stark, and that’s without key players such as Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota.

Midfielder Benjamin Nygren, who scored his 14th goal of the season against Utrecht, was asked about O’Neill’s impact.

“It makes a big difference,” the Swedish international said.

“He knows the club, he’s been here. He knows how things work here and he’s loved by everyone at the club.

“I think he’s brought a lot of confidence back, so we’ve been in a lot better shape since he came back.”