Ewen Cameron Claims O’Neill Is ‘Scared’ Of Rangers: Is Celtic’s Fixture Concern Justified?
· Yahoo Sports
Ewen Cameron has accused Martin O’Neill of fearing Derek McInnes and Rangers after Celtic suffered two damaging derby defeats before the international break.
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Speaking on the STV Radio Football Podcast, Cameron questioned O’Neill’s comments following Celtic’s victory over Motherwell, suggesting the manager’s remarks about Rangers’ schedule revealed deeper concerns.
“This is my opinion having listened to him yesterday. I have now got the impression that Martin O’Neill is scared of Derek McInnes and Rangers,” Cameron said.
He added that O’Neill’s wish for Rangers to compete in Europe explained his view.
Rangers beat Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox to eliminate their rivals from the Premier Sports Cup before securing a 1-0 Premiership victory at Celtic Park. Those results exposed serious problems for O’Neill, whose side struggled to create clear chances in the second meeting.
However, Cameron’s interpretation deserves scrutiny. O’Neill’s point about fixture congestion has merit, particularly with Celtic preparing for a Europa League trip to Benfica on Thursday.
Rangers, meanwhile, have a full week to prepare for their next domestic assignment. That difference gives McInnes valuable recovery and training time throughout the European league phase.
Is Cameron mistaking Celtic’s scheduling concerns for fear of Rangers?
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 11: Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic, looks on before the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on October 11, 2026 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
Cameron’s accusation sounds excessive. O’Neill can recognise Rangers’ scheduling advantage without fearing McInnes, although Celtic’s recent performances have given their rivals genuine reasons for confidence.
Celtic have endured a difficult spell, including two derby defeats and a 3-1 loss against Ferencváros. O’Neill changed his formation and made four alterations before the Parkhead defeat, but those decisions failed to produce the required response.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Motherwell offered some relief. Camilo Durán and Benjamin Nygren scored at Fir Park, helping the champions return to the Premiership summit after Rangers briefly moved above them.
With 21 points from eight league matches, Celtic lead Rangers by two points, while Hearts sit on 16. Yet Thursday’s trip to Benfica presents another demanding test, particularly with Cameron Carter-Vickers unavailable because of a strain.
Jota’s return provides O’Neill with another attacking option, while chief executive Michael Nicholson has publicly backed the manager. Still, backing and league position cannot disguise Celtic’s problems against Rangers.
Celtic must improve their build-up play, defend transitions more effectively and find answers when opponents press aggressively. O’Neill’s fixture argument is valid, but it cannot explain every weakness exposed during those derby defeats.
Rangers have earned their confidence through results and performances. Celtic must respond with better football rather than debate whether their manager fears his opposite number. Cameron has overstated the psychological angle, but O’Neill now needs to show that his team can handle European commitments without surrendering control of the title race.