Celtic spirit Martin O’Neill recalls the spirit of Parkhead’s glory years

This was the third time in a week that Celtic saved victory from the jaws of a devastating result.

Last weekend, they looked to be crashing out of the Scottish Cup before Junior Adamo equalized in the 90th minute and Sebastian Tunicetti scored the winner in extra time to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

On Wednesday, they were seconds away from dropping a single league point at home to bottom club Livingston, but new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the opening goal, again in the 90th minute.

This time, Kilmarnock looked to be on course for a deserved point until Julian Araujo broke down their resistance with a stunning strike seven minutes into extra time.

For some, it would have been a reminder of the “ruthless” nature of Ange Postecoglou’s title-winning Celtic side.

For O’Neill, it brought back memories of his glory days. Famous names such as Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and John Hartson have contributed to three league titles, three Scottish Cups, a League Cup and a trip to the UEFA Cup final.

The 73-year-old Northern Irishman told BBC Scotland: “I coached and coached a high-quality team here for 20 years, who had a lot of spirit, a lot of resilience, a lot of ability.”

“And these boys here imitate that in many ways and surpass it in some ways.”

Late goals have certainly become a habit for his current side since his return for a second spell as caretaker manager after a dismal short spell under Wilfried Nancy.

Celtic have now scored six winners in the 90th minute or later in the Premier League this season, the most by any team in a season since rebranding in 2013, surpassing the previous best tally set by Rangers in 2016-17.

In fact, until Araujo’s win in Ayrshire, the Old Firm side were scoring eight goals apiece in the 90th minute or later in the Premier League this season.

Both Glasgow clubs have had their problems this season, with both sacking managers, with Heart of Midlothian benefiting from the top spot since September.