CALMAC'S IN FITNESS RACE

How on earth are Celts only five behind Hearts and in the last four of the cup?

- 

RETURN CHANCE Tierney

Celtic side squeezed through on penalties.

And, while Tierney is expected to be back in action soon, O'Neill was coy on McGregor's fitness.

Asked if the pair will be available for the visit of the high-flying Steelmen, the Northern Irishman said: "Certainly, Kieran would have a better chance.

"But we'll see. Callum’s been a terrific leader, really, in the game.

"It is remarkable Callum has been here for 25 years.

"He's been an incredible player for the club. Incredible captain. The sooner we can get him back on the field, the better for us."

O'Neill admits the Lennoxtown camp is in a buoyant mood after a backs-to-the-wall display in Govan saw them book their place in next month's cup semifinal against St Mirren - despite missing a host of key players.

The Hoops boss added: "Considering we went to Ibrox, our big rivals in a cup game... the captain doesn't play. But still, that influence was there because he was travelling with us.

"To lose him and Kieran, who has been a big player for us as well, you have to shift things around.

"You have to have a centre-back go to left-back. All of those particular things, they did it without question. They go for it.

"You'd have said that’s probably not the strongest side that Celtic can put out if everybody was fit and you forget about the players you've not had for most of the season, the injured players.

"It's been a remarkable effort by the team. Naturally, as manager, you're delighted with that effort."

O'Neill sang the praises of keeper Viljami Sinisalo after the Finland cap produced another top-drawer display in Kasper Schmeichel's absence.

He he initially had reservations over the ex-Aston Villa goalie after throwing him in against Auchinleck Talbot in January, but says his concerns are now gone.