I asked Martin O'Neill if he was making mistake when he handed me Celtic debut – here's what he told me

Vega scored twice on his Celtic debut after O'Neill threw him straight into the starting XI just hours after arriving on loan from Tottenham in December 2000.

Ramon Vega has recalled the moment Martin O'Neill handed him his Celtic debut, admitting he questioned the manager's decision when he saw his name on the team sheet. The former Switzerland defender had only arrived at Parkhead on Friday after being drafted in on loan from Tottenham to cover an injury crisis, and didn't expect to feature until the following week.

But O'Neill had other plans. "That's the reason why I bought you; we need you to play straight away!" the manager told him. Vega was thrust into the deep end at Celtic Park in front of 60,000 supporters against Aberdeen on the Saturday, just 24 hours after signing. The gamble paid off spectacularly — he scored twice in a 6-0 rout and went on to become a key player in the Treble-winning side that ended Rangers' dominance.

Vega, now a candidate for FIFA presidency, says the brief six-month spell left an indelible mark on him. He praised the Celtic fans for their reception and remains deeply attached to the club, saying he is still welcomed warmly whenever he returns to Glasgow.