MON MYTH LEGEND

I was worried but, if anything, Martin has enhanced his standing as an all-time Celtic great. It's only been six games but what a job he's done

- CHRIS SUTTON

I SAID a few weeks ago I was worried about Martin O'Neill sticking around too long as it could tarnish his Celtic legacy.

My point still stands but, as he prepares to step down, if anything he has enhanced his standing as one of the all-time club greats.

What a job he has done over the last four weeks or so.

He will admit himself it hasn't been perfect but to win five out of six going into Sunday was some going in the circumstances.

You look back at the environment he walked into and the constant backdrop of fan unrest.

Yet he's defeated Rangers to set up a League Cup Final, he's cut the gap on Hearts in the Premiership and he's giving Celtic a fighting chance of progressing in Europe.

You simply could not ask for more.

O'Neill won't be resting on any laurels either.

He's preparing for one final hurrah at Hibs but I know he'll be worried about this one.

Not from a personal point of view, or making sure he goes out on a high.

It's not an ego thing with him. It's about doing his best for the club - as it has been for the last month.

He'll just know Hibs could arguably be a tougher game than Feyenoord and he'll be determined to keep the momentum going for Wilfried Nancy taking charge.

O'Neill was talking the other night about being available to offer his opinions to the new manager rather than advice.

Nancy will have his own ideas but he'd be foolish not to take him up on his offer.

It's a slightly strange situation with the new man coming in because there has been a real upturn in form and in terms of the feelgood factor around the squad.