Martin O’Neill has given an update on his health as the Celtic boss continues his recovery following a small hospital procedure last week.
O’Neill was released from hospital the following day. Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney visited him shortly afterwards and reported that the manager was “in good form.”
O’Neill was not in the dugout for Celtic’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, with Maloney taking charge from the touchline.
He was still able to have an input before the game.
O’Neill met the Celtic squad at their team hotel before they travelled to Rugby Park, where he delivered a few words to the players ahead of what turned into a convincing away victory.
The manager has now spoken publicly about his recovery. Speaking to Celtic Player, O’Neill said:
“Better than last week, anyway.
“A couple of ailments rolled into one, unfortunately. But I’m getting there, which is good news.”
That is encouraging to hear from the Celtic boss after his spell in hospital.
There will naturally be an eagerness among supporters to see O’Neill back in the technical area. There should be no rush, though.
His recovery is far more important than getting him back into the dugout for the sake of one match, and the fact he was able to meet the players before Sunday’s game shows he is already keeping himself involved where possible.
Celtic are back on the road this weekend when they travel to face Dundee United in the second round of the League Cup.
The match kicks off at 5.45 pm and will be shown live on Premier Sports.
O’Neill’s involvement on the touchline will depend on how his recovery progresses over the coming days.
Maloney has already shown he can handle things from the technical area while the manager recuperates, and Celtic’s emphatic victory at Rugby Park meant there was little reason for O’Neill to push himself unnecessarily.
For now, the most significant update came from the man himself. He is feeling better than he did last week and, in his own words, he is progressing positively.
The animated O’Neill prowling the Celtic technical area can wait until he is properly ready to return.
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One Response
Good to hear Martin is recovering well. Let him fully recover before getting back in the saddle. Hail! Hail!