McNamara reflects on O'Neill highlight

Celtic captain Jackie McNamara has described working under manager Martin O’Neil as the “highlight” of his career.

A 1-0 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park yesterday completed an emotional afternoon for O’Neil, who will now begin a sabbatical to spend time with his sick wife Geraldine.

“It has been a privilege to play under Martin and his assistants John Robertson and Steve Walford,” McNamara told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme.

“It was fitting that they should be the first ones to lift the cup. They work well together and have been very successful. It has been the highlight of my career to work under Martin O’Neil.

“The manager is full of passion which is great to see and his attitude has been transferred onto the pitch. He’s a winner and he stills that mentality into the players.

“We were very disappointed when we heard the news that he’s stepping down, it’s very sad but he’s shown there are more important things in life than football. I hope it works out for him.

“He’s guided us to seven trophies in five years, which is some era. We never thought he’d have such a great impact. The club has risen 100% since he’s been here. The fans and players appreciate what he’s done for the club.”

McNamara’s Celtic future is in doubt with his contract set to expire this summer and the 31-year-old defender admitted he did not know whether he figured in the plans of incoming boss Gordon Strachan

“All being well, I’d like to continue at Celtic but there is a new manager coming in and there will be changes,” he added.

“We’ll have to see who he wants to keep. The most important thing for the club is that there is a smooth transition between managers."