Miracle Worker- Chris Sutton’s Hampden verdict

As recently as April 12 Chris Sutton dismissed Celtic’s chances of defending the SPFL title.

A 1-0 home win over St Mirren did little to inspire confidence ahead of a Scottish Cup semi-final against the same opponents and the post-split fixtures.

Today at Hampden Sutton watched Celtic win the Scottish Cup to complete an unexpected domestic double.

After the dramatic fall out with Brendan Rodgers Celtic turned to Martin O’Neill.

Following the disastrous appointment of Wilfried Nancy they again turned to O’Neill. On January 5 he returned as interim manager, this time until the end of the season.

The season ended at Hampden today. O’Neill was showing off the Scottish Cup to the delighted Celtic fans.

Sutton wondered if a return as manager would negatively impact on O’Neill’s Celtic legacy.

A MIRACLE DOUBLE FROM SUTTON’S OLD GAFFER

After two stints in charge the Irishman has added another glorious and unexpected chapter to his Celtic story.

O’Neill inherited a damaged squad at the end of October.

He left Nancy with a home match against Hearts to go top in the SPFL, followed by a cup final against St Mirren.

Just 33 days later Celtic were back in contact with O’Neill.

His return in January wasn’t backed up in the transfer market.

Five loan players arrived. They were quickly discarded with only Julian Araujo making any real impact.

Today’s Scottish Cup was won with the squad that Rodgers was left with following a disappointing summer transfer window.

The goals of Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah weren’t replaced.

Fortunately over the last nine matches Daizen Maeda rediscovered his form with the return from injury of Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels adding some quality.

It remains to be seen of O’Neill will be involved with Celtic next season. If today was his farewell the miracle worker moved on in style.

Sutton will be watching events around his old club and gaffer with interest through the summer months.