\n<\/p>\n
Expressing surprise at the comments about a tie Celtic lost 4-2 on aggregate, O’Neill said: “So he is picking our team? Well done old Danny. He’s only in less than a year.<\/p>\n
“I have to laugh. He’s made a comment about the picking of our team? Absolutely extraordinary. He hasn’t been in Glasgow long.<\/p>\n
“There’s no need for him commenting on my team.”<\/p>\n
However, what appeared to get O’Neill most irritated was the Rangers boss’ suggestion that: “I was a little bit surprised after 1-0 that they’re [Celtic] not trying to win this game, 2-0, 3-0, to have a chance. They keep the result until the end.”<\/p>\n
The Northern Irishman replied: “He wants to be involved in some of these games. <\/p>\n
“I didn’t see it like that. We were driven back because they are a very good team and in the top four of the Bundesliga.”<\/p>\n
All that after Rohl had insisted: “I think, in general, it makes no sense to speak too much about the other side, we have to focus on ourselves.”<\/p>\n
Hence the battle lines have been drawn for a Glasgow derby that could be of crucial importance to the destination of the Scottish title.<\/p>\n
Heart of Midlothian are four points clear of Rangers at the top of the Premiership and Celtic two points further back with a game in hand. <\/p>\n
O’Neill does not think the comments will add any fuel to what is usually a fiery fixture. <\/p>\n
He should know. Although it will be his first league Old Firm derby since a 2-1 win at Ibrox in April 2005, he has won eight of his last 10 against Rangers, losing just two, and also led them to a 3-1 League Cup semi-final win over Rohl’s side in November.<\/p>\n
That was in his first spell as interim manager, but Rangers reversed the scoreline at Celtic Park in January, a result that went some way to ushering in his second after the sacking of Wilfried Nancy.<\/p>\n
Celtic’s first-ever win in Germany came after a 2-1 loss at home to Hibernian dented their domestic title hopes.<\/p>\n
“We are running out of games,” O’Neill admitted. “We have been trying to catch up for quite some considerable time and we’re still trying to do that.<\/p>\n
“Losing to Hibs was a setback, but it wasn’t mortal and we’re still there.”<\/p>\n
Now he is relishing a “really great fixture” he “never expected” to be involved in again.<\/p>\n
“He [Rohl] possesses a fine team over there and it is going to be tough for us to get a result,” O’Neill admitted.<\/p>\n
“In normal circumstances, you would like the full week to prepare, but we’ve gone to Ibrox and won before after we have played midweek games.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n