KRIS BOYD says Martin O’Neill’s “genius” helped him get the better of the Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.
The Hoops booked their place in the Hampden showpiece against St Mirren after a 3-1 win over their fierce rivals following extra time.
It was just O’Neill’s second game in charge since his return to the dugout after the departure of Brendan Rodgers.
And Boyd believes the 73-year-old’s tactical shrewdness was key to the club’s semi-final success over his former side.
Speaking on Go Ballistic on the SunSport’s YouTube channel, Boyd said: “Celtic didn’t really create a lot and got a lead through a fantastic header from Johnny Kenny.
“It’s a great ball in, doesn’t matter what size you are as long as you get across the front of your man, and it’s an unbelievable flick back across.
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“I must say I thought he led the line really well.
“Whether the fact Martin giving him the nod as – I know he scored during the week – the leading striker in the team with Maeda coming back but he was moved to the right-hand side.
“You’ve got to say it was a little bit of genius from Martin O’Neill because Maeda – no doubt he’s better from the left wing than what he is from the right – but Johnny Kenny gave Celtic that focal point.
“I thought he worked his socks off, got a great header and a chance just after that as well and it was a good save from Butland.
“I thought he led line really well.”
Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand scored either side of Callum McGregor‘s thunderous effort in the 3-1 win, with James Tavernier scoring from the spot for the Light Blues.
Kenny was given a four-year deal under Rodgers while Osmand was signed under his watch in the summer.
Both have been on the periphery though this season under O’Neill’s predecessor and Boyd says it doesn’t reflect well on Rodgers that he wasn’t able to get them firing like O’Neill has.
Boyd believes it is down to O’Neill’s man management.
He said: “I don’t think that looks that good on Brendan Rodgers.
“Even the way Celtic were they were flat towards the end of Brendan Rodgers.
“For Martin O’Neill to come in and get a bounce so quickly but also a bounce out of players that were nowhere to be seen.
“For whatever reason Martin has been able to do that.
“We are all guilty of it sometimes when you feel as if people are over the hill there is no doubt Martin would have fallen into that category.
“But there is one thing you can’t dismiss which is experience but not only that man management.
“Being able to deal with people, put an arm round them and make them feel 10 foot tall.
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“When you listen to a lot of ex-Celtic players that’s what Martin was very good at.
“That’s probably what this group was needing.”
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