OUTSTAND-IN

O'Neill admits he'd love the chance to lead Celts out in final after epic Old Firm victory at Hampden

- MICHAEL GANNON

MARTIN O'NEILL admits he would love to lead Celtic out in next month's Premier Sports Cup Final against St Mirren.

And the stand-in boss let it slip he'd be open for talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond over his long-term future with the Hoops.

O'Neill's name echoed around the National Stadium last night as Celts saw off a spirited Rangers to seal a return on December 14.

The 73-year-old isn't banking on being around as Parkhead chiefs search for a permanent gaffer.

But when asked about the Final bow O'Neill said: "Well, secretly you would love to, you know. It's December time.

"Look, we're in the results business and all of these things can change.

"I was actually at Midtjylland's game against Nottingham Forest, where they were just too strong for them, really, and that was at the City Ground.