O'Neill backs Hartson claim
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill insisted today that their Old Firm winner at Ibrox should be credited to John Hartson.
The striker felt he had scored his 50th Hoops goal, but his shot took a deflection off Rangers defender Zurab Khizanishvili which caused it to be recorded as an own goal.
But O’Neill is convinced the goal belongs to the Welsh striker, who he believes is close to hitting his very best form.
“As far as I am concerned there is no-one else that I would award the goal to but John,” said O’Neill.
“Regardless of what happens these days in terms of deciding who it goes to, the record book in my own head will always remember that it was Hartson’s goal.
“Fitness is the biggest thing for John now but that will have done his confidence no harm at all.
“It was also a boost for him that he stayed on for the full 90 minutes which definitely helps matters.
“He is away with Wales now which is another chance for him to work on his fitness and I have no doubt that he’ll get stronger as the weeks go by.”
