Martin O'Neill opens up on Celtic protest, Michael Nicholson, Green Brigade and what fans say to him

Green seats, that is. The Scottish Cup tie at home to Dundee the match that many disgruntled Celtic fans have chosen to snub as a protest against the club’s board and a lack of communication from those at the very top.

This is an important assignment for Celtic in their quest for the trophy they so painfully lost last season to Aberdeen on penalties. And while most fans would agree, they are prepared to vote with their feet. The action, triggered by The Celtic Fans Collective, has gathered momentum.

The 5.30pm kick-off on a wet February evening and live television broadcast by Premier Sports probably won’t help the gate either. No official figures on ticket sales are available but one suspects grabbing a brief won’t be hard.

Interim chairman Brian Wilson tried to soothe the situation on Thursday night with a Celtic TV interview where he revealed meetings will be held with a broad spectrum of supporters’ groups. The Green Brigade, who are currently banned from Celtic Park, have confirmed an invitation.

Another man in a caretaker capacity has welcomed this attempt to build bridges. Current manager Martin O’Neill recalls more harmonious times at Celtic Park and his good work in not one but two stints this season has probably avoided all-out mutiny, even if the team remains six points adrift in the title race.

“When I left this club in 2005 I thought there was a real strong togetherness,” said O’Neill. “There's always been a few things aimed against the board. Celtic were accused of having the biscuit-tin mentality years and years ago, were told they didn't do this and didn't do that.

“But it all seemed so almost innocent by comparison or contrast to what's happening now. While I accept that life changes, it is a bit sad to see it at the moment. I'd like it to, if it can, be resolved. If some sort of conversations take place, that's the only way it can be resolved. Not stand-offs.”

‘That can come back again’ for Celtic

Even in victory, Celtic Park has been muted. A recent 4-2 triumph over Utrecht that clinched qualification for the Europa League knock-out stages hardly set the pulses racing.

"We were 3-0 up after 20 minutes [against Utrecht],” remarked O’Neill. “It was quiet, but I didn't feel it was anti ... but maybe there's an expectation because we've got ourselves into this position with a couple of really good results away from home that we should automatically win the game. But that's never been the case.

"I remember us playing Liverpool in 2003 and John Robertson was standing beside me. I honestly couldn't hear what he was saying. It was that loud. It was breathtaking. And people whose experience of those days would be maybe even shocked to find that it is not as strong as it was then. But that can come back again, there's no question about.”

O’Neill admitted the old stadium misses the Green Brigade at the corner flag, the band of fans who usually set the tone when it comes to atmosphere. “Yeah, of course, absolutely,” the 73-year-old replied when asked if their absence is keenly felt. “I think the vociferous part of the ground is still really important, of course. I'd like to see them all back.”

The Green Brigade have been visual and vocal as to which heads they want to roll at Celtic Park. A lightning rod for criticism at Celtic is chief executive Michael Nicholson. O’Neill has worked closely with the CEO over the past month on transfer dealings and was warm enough in his praise of the director.

It was telling, though, that he also urged Celtic’s hierarchy to move with the times.

"I've been absolutely fine with him,” said O’Neill. “Michael has taken on this role and I don't know how long he's been in situ with that. I had this month working closely with him and anything we've tried to do, he's tried to push forward. That's been really encouraging. But it's like anything else, we as a football club, whatever we say about it - we've got to learn. Seriously, we've got to learn.

“If you're talking about in normal dealings with people, we've things to do ourselves, look at ourselves. But the great thing about it from Brian Wilson's point of view, he's pretty keen for that to happen, which I think is overdue.”

O’Neill has had some interactions with the Celtic fans in and about Glasgow and it won’t be a surprise to learn they have been far more cordial with him than other senior club figures. "Well, they've been pretty nice to me,” he smiled. “I think they feel for my age, like asking if I need another overcoat! We didn't get round to discussing the political side of things. It's been more matches and did we get everything in the transfer market that we were looking for. And of course, I lied to them!”

O’Neill is still able to have a laugh amid the seriousness of Celtic’s civil war. His principal job is to ensure the team wins matches and isn’t distracted by the what is going on around them. So far, he’s seen no reason to broach the subject with the dressing-room.

"The short answer is that at this minute, I haven't done it,” said O’Neill. “If it doesn't get some sort of resolution, then it's maybe something I can ask them, if it affects them. Perhaps maybe in one aspect, if you start to make mistakes, maybe the quieter the better ... you don't want 60,000 going 'woah, what are you doing?' So maybe it works in reverse for them.

"It's not a case of whether they do or don't - they have to [deal with it].”

In the short term, success can be the immediate cure. "If you can keep winning football matches it should have some sort of effect,” added O’Neill. “After all the conversation we are having, that has to be my particular focus, to try and win the games and if it's at all possible, cut out the noise. But it's encouraging to find out that the interim chairman wants to have this dialogue. I think that's the first step.”