Ange Postecoglou insists Celtic great status isn't in his reach with Stein and O'Neill 'impossible to replicate'

Ange Postecoglou insists he’ll NEVER reach the status of the great Celtic managers like Jock Stein and Martin O’Neill.

But the Hoops gaffer is still determined to leave his mark on Parkhead history. Postecoglou admitted he was flattered to hear Celtic superfan Sir Rod Stewart mention him in the same breath as legendary bosses at the club on the back of Sunday’s Viaplay Cup success. The Aussie has now scooped up four of the last five trophies up for grabs since his arrival in Scotland in the summer of 2021 and is already in the Hoops fans' hearts.

Sir Rod is a fully paid up member of the Big Ange fan club but Postecoglou is happy with his place in the Parkhead manager pecking order. He said: “That is very kind of Rod and I know he is a passionate Celtic man but I will give you the brief here – I will never reach the levels of Jock Stein or Martin. Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon, these guys, they have had unbelievable success at this football club.

“It is almost impossible to replicate. I won a trophy at the weekend and after it I was interviewed by Gordon Strachan so I know my place and I am more than happy with that.

“My role here is to contribute and hopefully continue to bring success to this club. Hopefully when I am gone I have left my own mark and I will be more than comfortable with that.”

Postecoglou is already on the path to greatness at Celtic Park but he admitted his big thrill this week was delivering more success to supporters. But the focus is now on maintaining the push for more silverware and he’s already on to Premiership duty at St Mirren.

When asked if the Hampden party was joy or relief, he said: “It is a combination of both. There is always an element of relief for any manager because you carry a