MY FINAL FANTASY

Interim boss Martin wants to lead Hoops to cup glory

- MICHAEL GANNON

MARTIN O'NEILL would relish the opportunity to lead Celtic out in next month's Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren.

And the interim boss let it slip he'd also be open for talks with Dermot Desmond over a longer term future with the Hoops.

O'Neill's name echoed around the national stadium yesterday as the Celts saw off spirited Rangers 3-1 after extra time to seal a return on December 14.

The 73-year-old isn't banking on being around as Parkhead chiefs search for a replacement for Brendan Rodgers - although he will likely still be in for the trip to face Midtjylland in Denmark on Thursday and next Sunday's league game with Kilmarnock.

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

"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, and that was at the City Ground.

"And then we've got the Kilmarnock game on Sunday.