The Celtic XI targeted to take out Rangers as O'Neill weighs up a promise, formation tweak and Tierney call
The 73-year-old manager possesses a comedic timing fit for the stand-up scene but he is deadly serious on matchday
For those of a younger persuasion the dry wit of Martin O'Neill may well be the biggest surprise for those only familiar with tales of a dominant Celtic team who took no prisoners.
The 73-year-old possesses a comedic timing fit for the stand-up scene - just take his quip in response to his rousing message to the players after filling the breach after Brendan Rodgers' abrupt Parkhead exit.
O'Neill joked: “I’ve had good moments at Hampden and I’ve had bad moments. In fact, Rangers beat us there one day in the Scottish Cup Final, Lovenkrands scored.
“I’ve tried to find out where he’s living for a number of years so I can shout ‘boo’ at him.”
But on matchday, he is deadly serious.
And the frivolity will be parked for two breathless hours as he seeks to find a Celtic side capable of giving Danny Rohl's rejuvenated Rangers too many questions to answer.
The first big question comes between the sticks as Viljami Sinisalo, the regular Cup keeper so far this season, gives O'Neill pause for thought days after Kasper Schmeichel followed the Irishman's demands to go vertical to a tee.
Kieran Tierney, given time off for the Falkirk game, watched Marcelo Saracchi thrive in his absence but the Uruguayan himself was nursing a knock during Friday's training session.
Auston Trusty appears a cert to start next to Liam Scales as O'Neill overlooks the two left-footed centre half concerns.
In midfield, Arne Engels has shown enough in recent weeks to be a good bet to start next Callum McGregor, rather than usual engine room pal Reo Hatate, who, at times, has looked out of puff.
Benjamin Nygren is a unique prospect, with Celtic fans joking he'll end up with 20 goals and assists but his misses and mishaps during 90 minutes leave fans with both questions and answers.
James Forrest is a banker to start on the right wing, with O'Neill strongly hinting talismanic Daizen Maeda will lead the line.
Sebastian Tounekti was excellent against the Bairns and the variation in attack helped rather than hindered the wide man as too often Celtic's attack has centred around him this season.
Predicted Celtic XI
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