Martin O’Neill is reportedly taking time to carefully consider whether he wants to continue as Celtic manager despite emerging as the clear frontrunner for the role permanently.
The 74-year-old twice returned to rescue Celtic during one of the most chaotic seasons in recent memory and somehow ended the campaign with another domestic double.
During his first spell back in the dugout earlier this season, O’Neill steadied the club, cut the gap to Hearts and guided Celtic past Rangers into the League Cup Final.
Then, after the disastrous Wilfried Nancy era collapsed, he returned again and somehow delivered one of the most unlikely title wins in the club’s modern history before adding the Scottish Cup against Dunfermline.
That success has seemingly earned O’Neill first refusal on the job.
However, uncertainty remains because the legendary manager is still weighing up whether he wants to commit himself fully moving forward.
According to journalist Stephen McGowan, O’Neill is expected to meet controlling shareholder Dermot Desmond again this week as talks continue over a possible one or two-year deal.
The report also confirms Celtic have held discussions with Robbie Keane following his departure from Ferencváros.
Keane became a free agent after resigning from the Hungarian champions last week, immediately intensifying speculation linking him with the Celtic vacancy.
Still, O’Neill reportedly remains the leading candidate internally.
The situation leaves Celtic at a crossroads heading into a huge summer.
On one hand, O’Neill has just proven he can still unite the club and deliver trophies.
On the other, the board must decide whether continuing with the veteran manager aligns with their longer-term ambitions, particularly in Europe and with major Champions League qualifiers approaching quickly.
