Reporter dreams and a Robbie Keane reunion? How Martin O’Neill continues to revive Celtic

He had the assembled media group laughing away when he told some newspaper journalists he was seeing their faces in his sleep, such is the interest in a potential transfer at Parkhead.

His fascination was not limited only to the media, but also to his players.

Where they had been finding ways to lose under Nancy – and Rodgers to a lesser extent – a much-maligned Celtic side are now producing results, although the 10-man Premier League champions were unable to overcome current leaders Hearts at the weekend.

However, the improvement in form and results since Nancy’s disastrous spell has been stark, and that’s without key players Alistair Johnstone, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota.

Midfielder Benjamin Nygren, who scored his 14th goal of the season against Utrecht, was asked about O’Neill’s impact.

“It makes a big difference,” the Sweden international said.

“He knows the club, he’s been here. He knows how things work here and he’s loved by everyone at the club.

“I think he brought a lot of confidence, so we’ve been a lot better since he’s been back.”