Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has revealed just how much pressure was on him during his first season in Glasgow, before he brought home the domestic treble.
The Irishman took over at Parkhead in the summer of 2000, with Rangers having cruised to the title by 21 points in the previous campaign.
And speaking to Celtic legend Chris Sutton for the Daily Mail he revealed some felt a failure to win on the opening day would end any chance to win the league.
O'Neill said: "Our opening game was at Dundee United and so superior had Rangers been the previous year, I was asked by a journalist beforehand: 'If you don't win today, is that the league over?'
"It was incredible. They didn't expect Rangers to drop too many points!
"That was some pressure but Henrik opened the scoring, then you (Sutton) grabbed a late winner for us."
O'Neill took over in 2000 after leaving Leicester City, and he revealed legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has a role in his decision.
He explained: "I got a telephone call from Sir Alex Ferguson to ask if I'd take a call from Dermot Desmond.
"Dermot and I didn't know each other at all. But I was interviewed for the job and knew within seconds I wanted to join Celtic."
