O'Neill's legacy beautifully enhanced through humour and nous, says Liam

LIAM SCALES admits it'll be the laughter and a back to basics approach which will linger longest when Martin O'Neill leaves Celtic for a second time.

- BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

The Hoops defender delivered a tribute to the stand-in boss who he believes was the perfect man to rise to the moment amidst the chaos and shock around Brendan Rodgers' departure last month.

Thursday night's Europa League fightback against Feyenoord was another feather in the cap of the 73-year-old's month spell as interim boss which will come to an end at Easter Road tomorrow when Wilfried Nancy is expected to arrive 24 hours later.

But Scales is adamant O'Neill has enhanced an already silver-tinted legacy by steering the club though turmoil and uncertainty with his trademark humour, tactical nous and stripping the game back to its simplest form.

He said: "A lot of it with the manager has been about trying to bring a bit of confidence into the squad. I think it's clear to see he's done that.

"In everything he says and does, he's clear that we're top players and we can all play for this club and do well for this club and win games in Europe and win games in the league.

"I think just his ability to instil confidence in the team. How he speaks and how he comes across has been really impressive. I think that will definitely help. Sometimes going back to basics is the best thing you can do.

"For me as a defender, playing under him, he's fully focused on defenders defending first.

"In a modern game, that can change at times, but it's been refreshing to be part of that and to have that comfort that if you defend well, he's going to be happy with you.