Martin O'Neill was tonight appointed interim manager of Celtic following Brendan Rodgers' shock resignation.

But just hours before the dramatic series of events unfolding at the Scottish Premiership champions, the 73-year-old backed Hearts to lift this season's title ahead of his now employer, and Rangers.

It follows on from Sunday's 3-1 victory for Derek McInnes' side against the Hoops, as the Jambos marched into a commanding eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Celtic have a league game at home to Falkirk to contend with on Wednesday night before Sunday's huge League Cup semi-final against arch-rivals Rangers.

O'Neill said on talkSPORT earlier on Monday, October 27: "Hearts got off to a great start. They scored early on, and then Celtic equalised, and I thought they then controlled the game.

"They were obviously undone just after half-time in the match. It was always going to be a difficult game for Celtic - Hearts are on the rise at the moment.

"I know this time last year that Aberdeen had won a host of games...