The Celts got the manager’s current stint as manager off to a flier with a 4-0 win over Dundee United at the weekend, and tomorrow night (Wednesday), they travel to play Falkirk, the side Martin O’Neill kicked off his last term against, also with a 4-0 win. A key component in Saturday’s win was the work-rate and class of Kieran Tierney, who is clearly relishing his football under the Irishman, and the defender is looking to repeat the win rate of the manager’s earlier spell. He said: “You hope it can kick-start something again, because the last time the manager and staff came in, it was a good result at the start. ‘And that kicked us on for a bunch of good results, even in Europe as well, and we know that we’ve got big European games as well coming up that we need to win.’ And on the manager’s introductory talk this time around, the left-back said: “It was probably kind of similar to the first time the manager came in, as in the results haven’t been good enough, we are behind in the league, and it was just about getting back to where we belong.” In Falkirk, the Celts will face a side under John McGlynn who have battled their way to a top-six place with a series of performances and results that have gained deserved plaudits. Tierney said: “They’ve been great, we’ve played them a couple of times this year as well, so we know a lot about them. “We’ve done a lot of analysis work, a lot of video work, so we know they can play. “We know they can go direct as well, so it’s a team you need to be prepared to work hard against.”The Celts themselves are in the top three, while in recent years the top spot has become the norm, so the players know they are in a title race, and Tierney believes that isn’t restricted to the trio at the top. The Scotland internationalist said: “It’s a challenge that every football player loves, and one at the end of the season where you want to come out on top. “I would add other teams in as well who have performed brilliantly, so I don’t think you can overlook anyone. ‘But we just need to focus on us, getting back to winning and doing what we know we can.’ “If you play at Celtic you’ve got a competitive nature, and you want to win, and you know at Celtic you have to win. “So that’s what’s bringing us along and motivating us because we know we’ve not been good enough up ‘til now and that’s what we want to change.” And although the Hoops may need a different mentality in coming from behind in the league, for KT the aim is still the same. He added: “It’ll be slightly different, but, at the end of the day at Celtic you need to win. “So, whether you’re top by six or behind by six, you need to win, so mentality-wise, it’s just that way. “We must win, we must perform well and give the fans something to cheer about. “I think you saw that as well at the weekend, that the place just felt like a better atmosphere as well.” More on the game Training Gallery: Falkirk v Celtic Follow the build-up and all the Falkirk match action live on the official Celtic FC Match Centre. FixturesFalkirk Vs. Celtic – Wed, Jan 14th 2026, 19:45
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