One picture links the spectacular goals of Larsson and Maeda

Separated by 26 years there are a number of similarities between the Derby defining goals of Henrik Larsson and Daizen Maeda.

Crucially Martin O’Neill was in the dug-out for both fixtures.

Naturally there are no other survivors on the pitch or dug out between both matches.

But one image from August 2000 links to the two Derby matches.

Seated in the stand behind Dick Advocaat in the away dug-out were members of the Celtic youth team.

Including two fresh faced teenagers from Aberdeen and Dundee.

THE MAGIC OF DAIZEN MAEDA

With their playing careers now ended Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham celebrated alongside O’Neill as Maeda’s shot dipped under the crossbar into the net.

Since Sunday there has been plenty of debate and comparisons between the two goals.

Larsson’s goal was highly significant at the time. Down the years the full enormity of it has unfolded.

The 6-2 match gave substance to O’Neill’s emerging Celtic side.

Advoccat, the heralded Little General, the next Manchester United manager, never recovered.

O’Neill led Celtic to their first treble since 1969.

Dave Murray turned to Ronald de Boer, Tore Andre Flo and the Discount Option Scheme.

Eleven years later Rangers were sold for £1. Twelve months later they were dead.

And now in season 25/26 O’Neill is back as Celtic manager. He didn’t get the band together, he turned to Maloney who brought in Fotheringham and Stephen McManus.

Next up is a trip to Fir Park on Wednesday night. The chance to correct one of the darkest days in Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous spell in charge of Celtic.

A heartless Celtic side lost 2-0 to Motherwell, the scoreline flattered the visitors. A very different Celtic side will rock up at Fir Park.

Now O’Neill and his team are two wins away from clinching the SPFL title.

It would be one of the most unusual title wins in Celtic’s history. And as welcome as the previous 55.