There is a sense that Shaun Maloney is going under the radar at Celtic.
It’s understandable when you have a man of the calibre of Martin O’Neill returning and taking to the dugout like it’s the year 2000 all over again.
When O’Neill first arrived at Celtic after the turn of the century, Maloney was a fresh-faced teenager coming through the Parkhead system, and now they are sharing a touchline as coaches.
It ended in the best way possible on Sunday, with Celtic beating 10-man Rangers in extra-time, as the champions of Scotland, for the first time in a long time, looked and played with colour, exuberance, energy, directness and a sense of freshness.
Whilst O’Neill rightfully takes the spotlight, don’t forget the role Maloney is playing, as he proved in extra-time against Rangers.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesShaun Maloney’s team talk at half-time of extra time as Celtic beat Rangers
When O’Neill and Maloney were named as the duo to hold the fort on an interim basis, one of the things Celtic supporters wanted to know about was who was going to do what.
Well, it’s pretty clear that O’Neill is dealing with the management side of things, mainly the media, taking the heat, and then allowing Maloney to do the coaching in the background.
That was proven in extra time at half-time at Hampden. As the players were having a breather and getting fluids into their bodies.
Maloney was then seen taking the team talk, as he gathered the players around, with O’Neill watching on and listening on the side.
This clip, taken at the half-time break during extra-time at today’s Celtic- Rangers League Cup semi-final perfectly illustrates the enhanced team spirit & bonding which appears to have been ramped up a level since Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney took over.
All of the… pic.twitter.com/docl3jgxFa
— The Fast Lovin’ Sin-Soaked Heathen (@fast_sin) November 2, 2025
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Given how abruptly Rodgers left, how Celtic have put this together in such a short period of time has to be applauded.
It’s a dynamic and a partnership that the supporters are loving, and long may it continue as Celtic prepare for European action on Thursday night.