One former international full back is full of warm words for his old manager and would love to see O’Neill bow out for a final time at Parkhead in style

22:09, 13 Feb 2026Updated 00:19, 14 Feb 2026

Cyrus Christie and Martin O’Neill back in 2017(Image: David Maher/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Former Republic of Ireland star Cyrus Christie has praised Martin O’Neill for making him ”feel like million dollars’ during his international career.

And the veteran defender is desperate to see the interim Celtic manager hold aloft the Premiership title for the the fourth time as Parkhead boss come the end of the season.

Christie, 33, now plays for EFL League One side Bolton Wanderers but won 30 caps for his country between 2014 and 2022, 23 of which came under O’Neill. The full back was born in England but qualified to represent Ireland through his maternal grandmother.

Following spells with Coventry, Derby County and Middlesbrough, Christie went onto play in the Premier League with Fulham, helping the Cottagers win promotion in 2018 and then again in 2020 as they bounced straight back up from relegation.

Christie was also included by O’Neill in the Ireland squad that travelled to Portugal for the European Championships in 2016. And while he didn’t make an appearance at the tournament, he is full of admiration for his old boss and has detailed the no brainer of a decision to commit to the Irish cause once he spoke to the now 73-year-old.

Speaking to Flashscore, he said: “It was an easy decision (to pick Ireland over England at a young age), to be honest.

“I’m really close to my nan and granddad, so for me it was easy. I grew up with them and spent a lot of time with them, they were like second parents to me.

“I lived with Jeff Hendrick when I moved to Derby, so I got on really well with him. Then Martin O’Neill rang me, and that was the main selling point.

“Once I’d spoken to him and knew it was legit and that he wanted me in, it was great. I had no second option. I only ever wanted to play for the Republic of Ireland. My nan and family are so proud. It made a lot of people happy, it was amazing to see the smiles on their faces. It was all worth it.”

“I really enjoyed working for Martin. He was able to make you feel like a million dollars. Especially being one of the youngest there, he’d just say: ‘These are your strengths, just play to them. Don’t worry about anything else.’

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill

“A lot of the time, I was coming in if Seamus Coleman was injured. You’re replacing one of Ireland’s best players and a Premier League legend, so it’s difficult.

“I think Martin knew that and really tried to lift me and boost me. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him. I felt like I played some really good football for him.”

Asked about O’Neill’s return to Celtic earlier this season, Christie added: “His first stint up there was good. This season, before he took over as caretaker, and now he’s back in there, the results have picked up.

“I’m sure it would be great for them if they can go on to win the league. I don’t know whether he wants the job permanently.

“With Martin in charge, it’s clearly given them a boost. Being the legend that he is at that club, I think it’s made things smoother.

“(Where will he be next season?) I couldn’t tell you. He’s back in the dugout now, and maybe he’s got a massive appetite for it again.

“You can see his enthusiasm on the side-lines. He’s got a clear love for the game. If he wins something and goes out on a high, it’s a good way to sign off.

“He won’t be short of offers to be back in the studio, that’s for sure.”