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Three and a half. Martin O’Neill’s age is similar to how many times he stated at his unveiling press conference that he was just a temporary fix for Celtic.

He made the point once more after his first game as Parkhead manager in 7, 459 days, when he won a harrowing 4-0 victory over Falkirk. Just in case there was a shadow of a doubt.

But can’t football make you feel strange?

There were glimmers in a convincing win that O’Neill’s magic touch is already rubbing off on the image of him standing with his arms aloft on the touchline.

The Northern Irishman told BBC Sport Scotland, “I was concerned before the game, but that’s just a trait of mine.”

There was no reason to worry on a night when those dressed in green and white were only concerned about the game.

Nothing could compare to the nuclear load dropped by major shareholder Dermot Desmond fifteen minutes after Brendan Rodgers left on Monday, which was a bombshell.

A group of fans outside Celtic Park did little to stop the fallout from being disruptive and what has happened in recent games.

Desmond even attended this one, which was significant.

O’Neill took a strange position in this regard. Celtic have a squad that ought to be able to defeat pretty much everyone in the league, but they were depressed and eight points off the top of the standings.

Reo Hatate’s underperforming defense was replaced by veteran winger James Forrest, Auston Trusty was reinstated, and Kieran Tierney’s absence was filled in by Marcelo Saracchi.

By half-time, Celtic had survived a few defensive scares to go 2-0 ahead thanks to Johnny Kenny.

As Celtic tightened the game’s grip as Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti gave an emphatic performance, Falkirk’s threat dissipated.

“We played some delightful stuff, and I’m really pleased to win the game in the way that we did.” O’Neill added that there might have been more goals that could have been scored.

“I’m hoping some of the players who have played today are old enough to recognize who I am, while some of the younger players I’m not entirely sure. When they observe this man entering the dressing room, they wonder, “What’s going on here?” ‘.

I thought our play was excellent, and I’m delighted and satisfied. It was wonderful to win, and my anxiety has somewhat subsided. You can enjoy the final 10 or 15 minutes of a few goals in front, which kind of brought me back.

The table’s top four points are now at six points thanks to Hearts’ draw in Paisley and Celtic’s victory.

Although it was flimsy, the defending champions now have exactly what they need after the week.

Rangers and a League Cup semi-final are in wait at Hampden on Sunday, which is a completely different challenge.

Celtic had intentions when they first entered the contest. That has been flashed, but not at the same intensity as it was before this season.

On Wednesday, 11 shots were fired at Scott Bain’s goal, and two of them hit the woodwork. Additionally, they completed 119 of their final third passes successfully.

A forward is taking advantage of the opportunity that is given to him in Kenny.

His two goals were innate, and a third should have been added in the second half, according to his instincts.

O’Neill told Celtic TV, “That’s been at Celtic for a while, and that’s got the ball forward quickly.”

It’s fine when we play it too quickly or occasionally. As long as the final product exists. We’ll see if we can win the game.

“As it turns out, I’m learning about players even at my old age. I’m learning that some of our players are “super good.”

The interim manager made a joke on Wednesday that Falkirk won’t attend Sunday if things don’t go according to plan.

Danny Rohl has managed to convert Rangers from “shambolic” in the eyes of many to more “tactically disciplined” and “ready” to face Celtic in just six days.

The 36-year-old German has now won back-to-back games, the most recent being a 1-0 victory over Hibernian, having only been installed last Tuesday and suffered a harrowing 3-0 defeat away to Brann in the Europa League.

Despite having only a handful of training sessions to go, Rohl’s influence is evident in the fact that Easter Road resulted in Rangers’ first clean sheet away from home after 25 attempts, stretching back to December 2024.

Although Rangers did depend on Jack Butland to save Jamie McGrath late on a penalty, the organization had improved significantly.

When asked what he found most appealing, Rohl responded, “I must say, in the second half the tactical discipline.”

“Pressing high wasn’t always possible. However, we were more knowledgeable about the game and made the case that they were a transition team.

When we have the ball, what we need to improve is. our own transitional experiences. However, the game needs more than one component.

Rohl switched to a back three for the second game in a row, and despite making five adjustments, his team still appeared more dependable.

Jayden Meghoma, 19, left-back as a wing-back with extra cover, while adding an additional centre-back has given him more stability.

In terms of space between the strikers and center-backs as well as in terms of width, Opta’s average position graphic below illustrates how compact Rangers were generally.

Under Russell Martin, “I’ve said it many times how ridiculous the set-up was never mind the players’ choice making.”

“They appeared to be so unorganized during set-pieces and throw-ins. This demonstrated blatant tactical prudence and understanding tonight.

The players appear much more at ease with him, and he has restored the fundamentals of team defense and operation.

Other than the McGrath penalty and Thibault Klidje’s excellent chance, Hibs head coach David Gray mentioned that his team did not do enough in the final third.

Rangers at least made it difficult for Hibs, despite what he claimed himself.

Former Hearts captain Michael Stewart commented on Sportsound, “Danny Rohl is just in the door, but he was very clear about Hibs being a transitional team.”

The Premier Sports Cup semi-final game between Celtic and Rohl’s new Rangers will take place on Sunday in Hampden.

Rangers might want to take their chances with their newfound confidence and greater resilience given the turbulence at Celtic this week following Brendan Rodgers’ shock departure.

However, Martin O’Neill’s side resurrected with their previous best form with a 4-0 victory over Falkirk, making the second derby of the season difficult to call.

Rohl asserted that Rangers still need work, particularly on the ball.

The jury is still out on all of the summer recruits, so their compact shape has a drawback.

In comparison to Hibs’ 22, Rangers’ only 13 crosses were made at Easter Road, and the home side had the better chance of scoring.

All that has been accomplished is the basic installation following Martin’s side’s first two months of campaign play.

However, some people still believe that Rohl’s six-day turnaround has been successful.

He declared, “I’m excited and it will be a great game.” We have won two games in a row, have great confidence, and we’ll play well.” My boys are prepared for this.