Martin O’Neill has said Celtic Park felt like ‘the older days’ in his side’s massive win over Besiktas in the Europa League.

In what was most certainly a game of two halves, Celtic fought from behind to take the lead before being pegged back with just minutes to play. Incredibly, they then found their powers of recovery again.

The ever-impactful Callum Osmand found the net with a brilliant finish from range, before Camilo Duran proved his worth again. The Colombian gave the Hoops the lead twice with goals in the later stages.

It was exactly what O’Neill needed. His Celtic team have suffered in an adverse start to their European campaign, but appear to have finally found their pulse.

Martin O’Neill on ‘fantastic’ Celtic performance vs Besiktas

O’Neill told TNT Sports: “It was a fantastic performance, really fantastic in the game. They played some really decent stuff, particularly in the second half — and just when we thought that we were going to drop two points, we come roaring back again to win the game.

“It was a magnificent effort by the team. So much spirit, heart and desire — not only to go and claw their way into the game, but through it. A bit of nervousness because we haven’t a point on the board, and then getting at it.

“Funnily enough, we could’ve scored five or six goals last Sunday. We could’ve done. We could’ve won the game. Falkirk played well, but we peppered the goal and we couldn’t score. We dropped two points against Dundee United here.

“But in terms of European football, there’s no doubt about it; it’s been tough. They have been tough matches, really tough. Tonight was a tough game as well, too. They’re a very fine side.

“But we rose to the occasion tonight. What I think we’ve done is give ourselves a chance. That’s what we have. Because we always still think about trying to qualify — that’s a long way off — but at least we’ve given ourselves a chance.”

On his team selection, O’Neill continued: “Tonight, Lotomba, for instance, it was his first start for us. So you’re trying to find out as much as you can about the players, and at some stage or another, I might eventually know my best team!”

Finally, on the crowd, the Hoops boss said: “Of course. Mostly, the crowd gave us something. Tonight there was particularly special, a European night again… reminded me of the older days.”