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A win to transport Martin O’Neill back to the Celtic’s European glory days? No, Besiktas was a lesson in why he shouldn’t be the manager at all

There are clearly a number of ways in which to reflect upon Celtic's quite discombobulating back-from-the-dead victory over Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

By GARY KEOWN · Daily Mail

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 4:25 PM

Key Things to Know

Gary Keown argues Martin O'Neill's flawed management was exposed despite Celtic's 3-2 Europa League win over Besiktas.
Celtic secured the 3-2 victory after substitute Camilo Duran scored an 87th-minute winning goal.
The writer criticizes O'Neill's starting lineup, which left out key contributors like Duran and Callum Osmand.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Gary Keown criticizes manager Martin O'Neill following Celtic's 3-2 Europa League comeback victory against Besiktas, arguing that the win masks severe managerial shortcomings. Keown claims O'Neill's initial team selection was deeply flawed, creating an embarrassing first hour that only shifted after substitutes Camilo Duran, Callum Osmand, and Colby Donovan were introduced.

Keown highlights Duran's 87th-minute winner and two goals, questioning why the forward did not start ahead of the goalless Kasper Hogh. The columnist contends that expensive recent transfers like Hogh and Haissem Hassan have failed to integrate, concluding that Celtic is moving backwards under the current board and management.

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