I’ve been really pleased with the job Martin O’Neill has done so far this season. I think most Celtic fans feel the same way. When you compare his record with that of Wilfred Nancy, the contrast is stark. It’s night and day from where we were — and where we would likely still be if he had stayed in charge for the whole campaign.

That said, Celtic fans need to see better performances if we’re going to feel confident about winning this title. I also think many of us would prefer it if our manager didn’t keep drawing attention to his age as a way of deflecting from some hard questions.

I understand exactly why he doesn’t want to keep talking about transfers. But there comes a point when straight answers are required, and straight talking becomes unavoidable. He might not like it and he might not want to do it. He might feel the timing isn’t right to give the board a sharp prod.

Even so, he may still have to accept that it’s necessary — and deserved.

He’s 72. We get it. And yes, he’s friendly with Dermot Desmond and others on the board. But the constant...