With the managerial search ongoing at Celtic, Martin O’Neill has reportedly made a key decision about his role as interim boss in an unexpected twist.
The 73-year-old is back in the Celtic dugout for the first time in 20 years and turned back the clocks in midweek to get the Bhoys back to winning ways against Falkirk. Whilst he was initially keen to reiterate that he’s just keeping the seat warm in Scotland, there’s no denying that he didn’t miss a beat back in the technical area.
Speaking to reporters following a dominant 4-0 victory, the interim boss said: “I’m delighted, satisfied in the sense I thought we played very well.
“My anxiety has calmed somewhat, and it was really nice to win. When you get a few goals in front you can perhaps enjoy the last 10 or 15 minutes, and it kind of brought me back. I’ve not seen Celtic often, not live, to make criticism of this side. A restoration of confidence was great.”
The small matter of the Old Firm derby now awaits this weekend in a fixture that will truly test O’Neill’s managerial powers at Celtic Park.
Meanwhile, as the veteran manager attempts to steady to ship in Glasgow, Parkhead chiefs are still on the hunt for their next manager and have already been forced to move on from the idea of an Ange Postecoglou return.
Instead, Celtic have reportedly turned towards the likes of Kieran McKenna and Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen in an attempt to solve their managerial problem. But could their solution lie from within? O’Neill’s latest decision certainly suggests it’s possible.
O’Neill makes new decision about Celtic job
According to Football Insider, O’Neill is now prepared to take the Celtic job until the end of the season if the next few games go to plan. The Northern Irishman has reportedly been excited by his return to the Hoops and has changed his mind about just taking the role on an interim basis.
Any decision will come after results against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, Midtylland in the Europa League and Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, but victory in all three of those games would certainly welcome the question.
If O’Neill stayed on until the end of the current campaign, it would also buy Celtic some time to get their next appointment right. By the time that May arrives, Postecoglou could even be ready for a return to football following a frustrating last 12 months.
It would also be easier to tempt options like Hayen away from Club Brugge once the season is over. The return of O’Neill after 20 years wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card, yet it could make sense if things start well.
Before anything, however, the interim boss must steady the ship at the home of the Scottish champions.
