Scottish Premiership title race: Celtic favorites over Hearts?

Celtic captain Callum McGregor noted “it’s in our hands” after Sunday’s “huge win” against their city rivals.

Only a loss to Motherwell on Wednesday, combined with a Hearts win, would prevent a final day showdown.

Yet O’Neill believes Celtic still have “two mountains to climb” if they are to win their fourth Scottish title – and their first in 22 years.

“I’ve never been confident,” said the 74-year-old Northern Irishman. “People have told me about the pace and the pace can change at any moment.

“We have to win because I expect Hearts to win. We have a really tough game at Motherwell, but I think the run we’re on gives us the confidence to compete.”

Asked if the league and cup double could convince him to stay at Celtic, O’Neill was unfazed by whether this would be his last Old Farm derby.

However, Lennon feels giving the veteran a triumphant send-off will be another motivating factor for the players.

Hearts are unbeaten against Celtic this season, winning two of the three meetings, but Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday also cited the O’Neill factor as potentially important.

“None of Celtic’s January signings are in the starting line-up,” said the former Hearts and Rangers player. “So what he has done is make all the players at Celtic’s disposal better.

“Celtic are on a five-game winning streak. You talk about mentality and playing your best level at the right time and Celtic have hit them now.

“But Hearts, for 30 weeks in a row, are finding a way to win now, so it’s going to be a very interesting finish.

“We were salivating for these post-split fixtures and they were what we expected. I don’t think that will change.”