Martin O’Neill felt one player’s contribution deserved more recognition than it perhaps received after Celtic’s 3-1 win over Falkirk.
It was a significant result in the context of the title race. Celtic handled their business at Parkhead, and with Rangers slipping up elsewhere, the Hoops were able to climb back into second place.
Momentum, at this stage of the season, is everything — and this was exactly the kind of weekend that can shift belief inside a dressing room.
Daizen Maeda understandably took most of the attention. His performance was relentless, full of energy and decisive moments, and it ultimately played a major role in securing the three points. But as is often the case in games like this, there were quieter contributions that mattered just as much in the final outcome.
O’Neill singles out Oxlade-Chamberlain
There was a point in the second half where the game started to feel uncomfortable for Celtic. Falkirk had pulled a goal back through Kyrell Wilson, and suddenly the tempo shifted. For around 10 to 15 minutes, the home side were no longer in full control. The rhythm changed, and Falkirk began to believe there was something to take from the game.
Those are the moments that often define matches late in the season.
Recognising that shift, O’Neill made a change, introducing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in place of Callum McGregor. It wasn’t a move designed to excite — it was a move designed to stabilise.
And in O’Neill’s eyes, it worked.
“I think the introduction of, I know it was only for the last 15 minutes, but I thought that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain brought a calmness to us at the end of it,” the 74-year-old told Celtic TV. “Just to settle us down again and take it on from there.”
It wasn’t about standout moments or match-winning actions. It was about control. Keeping the ball moving, slowing things down when needed, and helping the team regain composure in a tense spell. Sometimes, that’s exactly what wins you games.
A crucial period ahead for his future
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s long-term future at the club remains unclear. His contract is due to expire this summer, and at this stage, there’s no strong indication that a renewal is close.
That puts added importance on every minute he plays between now and the end of the season.
There’s still a chance to influence the decision. With a managerial change expected in the summer, this run-in effectively becomes an audition — not just for him, but for several players in the squad. Experience is valuable, especially in tight title races, but it has to be matched with consistent impact on the pitch.
For Oxlade-Chamberlain, the question isn’t about what he has done in the past. It’s about whether he can still contribute enough moving forward.
Small moments, big impact
What this performance showed is that not every influence on a game comes from goals or assists. Sometimes it’s about understanding the moment, managing pressure, and helping the team get through a difficult spell.
Celtic needed that against Falkirk, and they got it.
As the season moves into its final stretch, those small contributions could end up making a big difference.