While Dungannon Swifts co-manager Darren Murphy revealed doubts about his future in the game, Donegal Celtic officials have been left with a managerial conundrum which only a week ago appeared a foregone conclusion.
Momentum in the aftermath of Stephen Small’s departure at Celtic Park favoured former player and boss Pat McAllister.
But with interviews extending to other hopefuls, former Ards defender Declan McGreevy strengthened his case with a County Antrim Shield victory last Monday and Saturday’s Premiership stalemate with Dungannon Swifts.
The West Belfast man, who if successful would co-manage with coach John O’Kane, a former Celtic talent scout, and Derry City legend Jimmy McGeough as his advisor.
He said: “This club is a sleeping giant in West Belfast and the people need to be re-awoken by success and harmony on the pitch and off it.
“I believe I can take the team to a different level, a new level of professionalism and togetherness.”
Stefan Lavery made the most of a defensive error to put Swifts in front in the 14th minute – a goal not unlike his that knocked Celtic out of the Irish Cup last season.
It was Celtic who were in control for the most part of the first-half but didn’t direct a shot on Niall Morgan’s goal until Conor Downey forced the Swifts ‘keeper into action with his long-range effort in the 31st minute.
But Peter McCann levelled in the 45th minute.
Scoring for the second time in as many starts for his new club, McCann was the beneficiary of Ryan Deans’ superb pass that found Ciaran Gargan unmarked in the goalmouth, resulting in Gargan picking out McCann, who at the second time of asking, buried the ball home from close range.
Mark Miskimmin should have put Celtic in front just seconds into the second-half when he glided into the Swifts’ goalmouth but failed to trouble Morgan with a tame shot.
Advantage was gifted to the hosts in the 51st minute with Matt Hazley saw red for a two-footed tackle on Celtic’s dynamic midfielder Ryan Deans.
Celtic peppered Morgan’s goalmouth but could not produce the final ingredient to serve up a first league victory.
Swifts boss Murphy said: “I feel dejected after this result yet I am pleased with the league point. I thought we coped well and gave a good honest shift but that isn’t good enough for everyone.
“We showed an honest work-rate and determination and desire, and that’s all I can ask for.
“Unfortunately some people don’t think that is good enough. That’s fine, if someone else wants to come in and do the job then go for it.
“I don’t need the hassle or grief for the amount of work we put in. We are striving to see this club do well but some people don’t see that.”
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