Juninho performance pleases O'Neill

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has jumped to the defence of Juninho – even though the Brazilian’s performance at Aberdeen is unlikely to save him from a quick return to the substitutes’ bench.

The World Cup winner finally got his chance in yesterday’s 1-0 Bank of Scotland Premier League win to prove he is worthy of a regular first-team spot with his first start in the Hoops since the CIS Insurance Cup defeat to Rangers on November 10.