It ended in the best way possible on Sunday, with Celtic beating 10-man Rangers<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n Whilst O\u2019Neill rightfully takes the spotlight<\/a>, don\u2019t forget the role Maloney<\/a> is playing, as he proved in extra-time against Rangers. <\/p>\n When O\u2019Neill and Maloney were named as the duo to hold the fort on an interim basis, one of the things Celtic<\/a> supporters wanted to know about was who was going to do what.<\/p>\n Well, it\u2019s pretty clear that O\u2019Neill is dealing with the management side<\/a> of things, mainly the media, taking the heat, and then allowing Maloney to do the coaching in the background.<\/p>\n That was proven in extra time at half-time at Hampden. As the players were having a breather and getting fluids into their bodies.<\/p>\n Maloney was then seen taking the team talk, as he gathered the players around, with O\u2019Neill watching on and listening on the side. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n All of the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/docl3jgxFa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Fast Lovin’ Sin-Soaked Heathen (@fast_sin) November 2, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n View Tweet<\/p>\n Given how abruptly Rodgers left, how Celtic have put this together in such a short period of time has to be applauded. <\/p>\n It\u2019s a dynamic and a partnership that the supporters are loving, and long may it continue as Celtic prepare for European action on Thursday night. <\/p>\n ![\"Martin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2244032073-1024x696.jpg\")
Photo by Ian MacNicol\/Getty ImagesShaun Maloney\u2019s team talk at half-time of extra time as Celtic beat Rangers<\/p>\n