Jim McGuinness scores first major scalp of coaching career but plenty of work to do

Celtic are currently seventh in the development league, so there is definitely work to do.

Granted, they have games in hand of those ahead of them, but it is still unusual to see Celtic in seventh place in any Scottish league. The Celtic development squad are, of course, the team where Jim McGuinness is continuing his football coaching development. Having acquired his Uefa 'B' licence last year he is preparing to take his 'A' licence later this year. Tuesday's Old Firm clash will have been another step down the road to football management for McGuinness, as Tommy McIntyre's side recorded a win over Rangers. Calvin Miller scoring the only goal of the game as, according to the club website, Celtic thrashed their great rivals 1-0. It was a much needed victory after losing 3-0 to Dunfermline in their last outing. The 2012 All-Ireland-winning manager joined Celtic in 2013 as a performance consultant, working with the first team under Neil Lennon, Ronny Deila and now Brendan Rodgers. He told SportsJOE last summer that he would consider a return to GAA management but, for now, is focussed on his new coaching role at Celtic.

"I think 'never' is a long time. Obviously I love my own county and if I was to manage anyone it probably would be Donegal," he said. "I think there is probably a higher possibility of managing my young fellas, at underage, than a county team. In the short term anyway. But I would never say never."

Celtic face the Rangers development squad again in March, with their next fixture against Aberdeen on Thursday January 26th.l