AOC FOR MVP

A Super Bowl quarterback was let-down for O'Neill - but Ox is ready to deliver for Celts

- MICHAEL GANNON

GRID IRON fan Martin O'Neill sat up late to take in the Super Bowl only to see one of the star quarterbacks freeze on the big stage.

But the Hoops boss is banking on Celtic's blockbuster arrival to deliver where it matters.

O'Neill could have been forgiven for having an early night on Sunday after spending most of January burning the midnight oil in the quest for new recruits.

The Irishman managed to snap up five players by deadline day-but it's the one who arrived outside the window who has got Hoops fans buzzing.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain checked in and is in the frame to make his Celtic debut at some point this evening against Livingston.

And O'Neill hopes AOC can be his MVP after being let down by the NFL showpiece in California.

O'Neill said: "I watched the Super Bowl until the last quarter - it was all over by then.

"The Patriots quarterback (Drake Maye) just didn't perform at all. He has a big reputation but he just couldn't do it.

"He was caught in the headlights, frozen stiff. He is a runner too but he couldn't move.

"He didn't get much help down the left. They had a big guard who was pathetic.

"It's a big occasion and if you think about that too much, it can really get to you. It clearly got to the quarterback because he couldn't move.