“Since my time as an interim Manager haven’t seen him have a poor performance” Martin o’Neil Admitted one Celtic Star always have Good Performance under him.
Martin O’Neill has never been one to hand out praise lightly, but the legendary Celtic manager has now admitted that one player consistently stood out during his time in charge, even in difficult moments. Reflecting on his spell as interim manager, O’Neill made it clear that Trusty Auston was a rare constant in an otherwise challenging period.
“Since my time as an interim manager, I haven’t seen him have a poor performance.”
It was a short statement, but one that has quickly gathered attention among Celtic supporters, pundits and former players alike.
For a club where expectations are relentless and scrutiny is unforgiving, such an endorsement carries serious weight.
A defender who never dipped
Trusty Auston arrived at Celtic with a reputation for composure and physical presence, but few could have predicted how quickly he would establish himself as one of the most reliable figures at the back. Under O’Neill, particularly during a period marked by transition and pressure, the defender emerged as a calming influence.
O’Neill’s comments suggest that regardless of the opposition, the tactical setup or the wider mood around the club, Auston delivered consistency. In a team that at times struggled for balance and rhythm, the defender’s performances offered stability.
Former Celtic staff have privately echoed this sentiment, noting that Auston was often among the first names pencilled into the starting lineup. His ability to read danger early, dominate aerial duels and play out from the back aligned perfectly with what O’Neill values in a modern centre back.
Leadership beyond years
What has impressed O’Neill most, however, is not just Auston’s technical quality but his mentality. During O’Neill’s interim spell, Celtic faced intense scrutiny from supporters and media, with every mistake magnified. Yet Auston rarely looked flustered.
“He played like someone who understood the responsibility of the badge,” one source close to the club explained. “Even when others struggled, he stayed switched on.”
That mental strength is something O’Neill has long admired in defenders. Throughout his managerial career, from Leicester City to Celtic and beyond, O’Neill has trusted players who thrive under pressure rather than hide from it. Auston, by all accounts, fits that profile perfectly.
Fans react to O’Neill’s praise
Unsurprisingly, O’Neill’s admission sparked strong reactions online. Many Celtic fans believe the defender has been undervalued despite his steady performances.
One supporter wrote, “This is exactly what we’ve been saying. He never lets us down, even when the team isn’t firing.”
Another added, “If Martin O’Neill says he’s never had a poor game, that should end the debate.”
There is also a growing sense that Auston could play an even bigger role going forward. With Celtic constantly evolving under new leadership and systems, fans see him as a cornerstone for the future rather than just a dependable option.
Tactical importance at Celtic
From a tactical standpoint, Auston’s consistency gives managers flexibility. His positional awareness allows full backs to push forward, while his distribution helps Celtic build from the back rather than resorting to long balls.
O’Neill’s praise highlights how valuable that reliability was during his interim tenure. When systems are changing and confidence is fragile, defenders who minimise errors become priceless. A single mistake at the back can undo ninety minutes of hard work, something O’Neill knows all too well.
By stating that he never witnessed a poor performance from Auston, O’Neill is effectively saying that the defender reduced risk in every game he played. In modern football, that quality is often the difference between competing and collapsing.
What it means for Auston’s future
Such public backing from a figure like Martin O’Neill can have long term implications. It reinforces Auston’s standing within the club and raises his profile beyond Celtic Park. Scouts and analysts pay close attention when respected managers single out players for consistency rather than occasional brilliance.
For Auston himself, the comments serve as validation. Defenders rarely receive headlines unless something goes wrong, but O’Neill’s words shine a light on the value of doing the basics right week after week.
As Celtic continue to push for domestic dominance and European progress, having players who can be trusted implicitly will be crucial. O’Neill’s admission suggests that, at least in his eyes, Trusty Auston is exactly that kind of player.
In a club built on legends and high standards, being remembered as someone who “never had a poor performance” is perhaps one of the highest compliments a Celtic defender can receive.
