O'Neill 'deserves' to lead Celtic in cup final - Ledley

Former Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley believes Martin O'Neill has earned the right to lead the club in the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren next month.

Interim boss O'Neill guided Celtic to a 3-1 extra-time win over rivals Rangers in the semi-finals and has overseen 4-0 league victories over Falkirk and Kilmarnock, with the sole defeat on his watch coming away to Europa League leaders Midtjylland.

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"Since Martin's taken over, it's been very entertaining, very attacking minded," Ledley told BBC Scotland.

"His substitutions have been spot on as well, which I think we lacked at the beginning of the season.

"He's done nothing wrong at the moment. Obviously Celtic are struggling in the Europa League. It's a big test playing in that competition.

"But domestically he's been fantastic."

Asked whether O'Neill should be charge for the final on 14 December, Ledley added: "I definitely think he should be.

"That's down to the board to decide. I'm sure Martin would probably like to have a final and he deserves it.

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"They were magnificent against Rangers, especially in the first half. We just never know in football what will happen. But the board will be looking at candidates.

"Martin has been a breath of fresh air for the club.

"All players are buying in as well. You can see that they look happy. It looks as if there's a lot of pressure off them and it's free-flowing football as well."

Ledley will be playing for Celtic in the Scottish Masters at the P&J Arena in Aberdeen. Watch live coverage on BBC Scotland on Friday, 14 November at 19:30 GMT.

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