Martin O’Neill delivered a masterclass reminiscent of his earlier days by steering Celtic to a remarkable triumph over Feyenoord, subsequently urging the team to push forward and secure a spot in the Europa League knockout rounds.

In what marked his final European match at the helm, the 73-year-old witnessed his squad overturn a deficit to clinch a 3-1 victory in Rotterdam. This win signified Celtic’s first away success in European competition in four years.

The evening was particularly poignant for O’Neill, as Celtic supporters filled De Kuip with chants in his honor, acknowledging his imminent transition of leadership to Wilfried Nancy in the coming week.

Expressing his feelings, O’Neill remarked, “There’s a personal satisfaction in this, undeniably, but achieving a win away, especially at Feyenoord, was fantastic.”

He added, “Based on last year’s setup, reaching the knockout stages likely demands 10, possibly even 11 points.”

Interim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill believes his side were well worth their win in Rotterdam

Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda were amongst the standout performers in green and white

Benjamin Nygren’s powerful drive late on secured a famous win for the Scottish champions

O’Neill acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting, “The path won’t be easy. There are two crucial home fixtures against Roma and Utrecht, with a match in Bologna sandwiched in between. However, the team is brimming with confidence now, and it’s their task to maintain this momentum.”

‘Winning away from home is terrific. That’s not easy in Europe, it’s certainly not easy here.

‘The very obvious thing is that it gives them confidence and a bit of belief they can actually come and compete.

‘Even if the result had gone against us, I thought we were competing. I am so pleased for the players. The restoration of confidence is big and it’s about keeping it going.’

After falling behind to Ayase Ueda’s 11th minute goal, Celtic showed a level of composure sorely lacking in previous European outings this season.

They turned the match on its head before half-time with goals from Yang Hyun-jun and Reo Hatate, and substitute Benjamin Nygren sealed victory eight minutes from time.

Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord were jeered off by furious home fans as they crashed to an insipid defeat.

‘We played really, really well,’ said O’Neill. ‘There was a fairly lengthy period where we were totally dominant, controlling the ball and exuding a lot of confidence.

Celtic players lapped up the celebrations with the travelling fans at the full-time whistle

‘It was nice to see. Going a goal behind, we could have crumbled but we showed the usual words — character and resilience.

‘When we got the equaliser, the confidence just flooded into the side and they played wonderfully well. I said to them before the game: “You will get a chance to play tonight”.

‘Feyenoord are a fine side, they are going through a dip at the moment, but they have good players. But they’ll also give you a chance to play and we took that chance.’

O’Neill has won five of his six matches at the helm since stepping in as interim boss following Brendan Rodgers’ departure. The trip to Hibs on Sunday will be his last game before Nancy takes over.

Asked for his reflections on his caretaker role these past few weeks, he added: ‘It’s hard to say really what I thought.

‘My two daughters were all for going for it [taking the job] and my wife said you’ll probably mess it up! I tried to phone her there after the game.

‘I haven’t messed it up — so far. It’s been great. The results are everything. It’s what you live by. The results have been terrific.

‘My two brothers came to the game tonight and I told them to start the chants [singing my name], so they must have done. Honestly, I’m in great fettle now, but I’l wake up tomorrow and get ready for the Hibs game. But you might as well enjoy it. It was great.

‘The dressing room was full of it at the end, too. The Japanese lads learned a few extra words, although they didn’t realise they were swear words.’