O’Neill inspiration goes a long way

THE lasting impression of Celtic’s ultimately frustrated quest for a European title is not that they deserved to win, but one of surprise and admiration that they had progressed so far.

That is not to say that Martin O'Neill's side did not warrant a place in the UEFA Cup final, for they had showed against all their previous opponents that they are a team to be reckoned with.

But if you were to match Celtic's players man-for-man against all their European rivals they would appear of limited quality individually, Henrik Larsson excepted. Somehow, O'Neill manages to get them to perform both at the top of their personal abilities and as a team, to the extent that they can match Porto a very accomplished side indeed and almost beat them. It is a feat that O'Neill, with trusty aides John Robertson and Steve Walford, has accomplished at every club that he has managed. Seemingly mediocre players suddenly respond to his urgings and start playing like seasoned internationals.