A new Celtic manager update has emerged from Parkhead following Martin O’Neill’s first defeat as interim boss.
O’Neill’s comments after suffering first loss back at Celtic
The Hoops, after back-to-back wins over Falkirk and Rangers, suffered their first loss under O’Neill on Thursday evening. Celtic’s hopes of prolonging their Europa League campaign into the knockout stages suffered a major blow after they lost 3-1 to FC Midtjylland.
Reo Hatate’s late penalty was only a consolation for O’Neill’s side, and the interim boss said his side were handed a reality check following the defeat.
“It was a tough evening, there’s no question about it. We conceded two goals within a minute or 90 seconds of each other and the game goes away from you very, very quickly.
“They score a third and it’s a long way back. The goals that we conceded weren’t good. But in terms of European football, they’re a very fine side, there’s no question about it.”
The Hoops only have four points after four games in Europe, but O’Neill added: “I suppose I probably always thought that 10 points would probably get you (through), so we’re not out of it.
“That’s a big lesson for us tonight, to know what it takes to be a really decent European team.”
There have been claims that O’Neill’s relationship with Dermot Desmond has been viewed as crucial to his return, which could be extended longer, something which the Irishman is willing to do.
Now a new update has now emerged regarding O’Neill and Celtic.
O’Neill in "driving seat" for Celtic job
According to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, O’Neill is in pole position to keep the Celtic job on a full-time basis that could even stretch beyond the end of the season, should he wish.
O’Neill has never shied away from his love for Celtic following his successful period in charge between 2000-2005 and was recently called “amazing” by Ian Wright.
English League Cup
1997, 2000
Scottish Premiership
2001, 2002, 2004
Scottish Cup
2001, 2004, 2005
Scottish League Cup
2000
UI Cup
2008
Now, he could be in line for a longer stint than he and many were expecting at Parkhead. There are other options for Celtic, though.
Celtic top target McKenna "wants" Hoops job, frontrunner with 57 y/o manager