Martin O'Neill has apologised for being "tetchy" when asked about Celtic team selections and formations.
The Parkhead boss fired back when asked by TNT Sports reporter Connie McLaughlin for an explanation for selecting Viljami Sinisalo in goals ahead of Sam Johnstone against Ferencvaros, insisting it is "not his job" to explain every decision before a game.
It caused some uproar, with the journalist forced to deny he had called her 'honey' and had actually referred to her by her name. However, some still felt it was an unfair response to the question.
O'Neill faced the media again today in his press conference previewing Sunday's league clash with Rangers. He insists that he accepts journalists have every right to ask him these questions, and apologises for sometimes being 'tetchy'.
"That's the nature of the game," said the 74-year-old.
"Honestly, the minute that you lose a football match, you will be asked. And I don't see why I shouldn't be asked.
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"I can get a bit tetchy now and again. Sometimes I have to apologise for that.
"But overall, what I did say was that we don't seem to be questioned when we win the football matches. But yeah, everybody has a right to ask.
"I think I said to Connie McLaughlin last night, I don't think that my job an hour beforehand is to just give out a reason for every single selection thing I make. I don't think that's ever been the case.
"But at the end of it all, yeah, I'm responsible for team selection. I'm responsible for the tactics. And of course I should be questioned."
Asked for his take on the general reaction to the last two defeats, he added: 2I don't know really what the reaction is.
"Honestly, I don't, because I'm not on social media and I don't read."
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