STAND-IN OVATION

O'Neill delivers emotional Hoops message ahead of last game as caretaker manager

- BY GORDON PARKS

MARTIN O'NEILL warned fans it's wishful thinking if they believe his short stay has magically cured Celtic's recent on-field woes.

The Hoops legend's interim role will end against Hibs at Easter Road tomorrow lunchtime.

O'Neill will take an emotional final bow following a month in charge after the shock departure of Brendan Rodgers.

Frenchman Wilfried Nancy is expected to be announced as permanent boss on Monday.

Nancy will be charged with closing down the four-point gap to leaders Hearts and claiming the first silverware of the season in next month's Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren.

But O'Neill offered words of caution for the new man and insists the recent upturn in results shouldn't be presumed as anything more than papering over some cracks, even after Thursday's 3-1 Europa League win at Feyenoord.