At half-time at Ibrox on Sunday, most had started to write off Celtic’s title hopes.
O’Neill’s side were heading for a second straight league defeat that would have left them nine points adrift off Hearts and five off Rangers.
Even with a game in hand, their chances felt slim. However, a rousing response from the reigning champions underlined their credentials.
As far as mentality goes, they have the manager and players most equipped at dealing with the psychological aspect of a title fight.
However, concerns about the team’s performance level will remain, even after an impressive fightback in Govan.
O’Neill’s side have now conceded the opening goal in five of their past seven games across all competitions, securing victories in three of those five matches.
“Celtic were so far second best in that first half,” former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said. “Rangers played so superbly well. They had so many opportunities to make it three, which almost certainly would’ve killed it off.
“O’Neill made a couple of changes and those changes made a massive difference. The one thing you will say about this Celtic team, it doesn’t matter where they are, they don’t give up.”
Remaining opponents before split: Aberdeen (A); Motherwell (H); Dundee Utd (A); Dundee (A); St Mirren (H).
Potential maximum points haul: 85
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