O’Neill still uncertain over Celtic future

Martin O’Neill remains in the dark over whether he will be in charge for Celtic’s next match against St Mirren following reports the Hoops have stepped up their search for a new permanent manager.

O’Neill, who enjoyed great success during his first spell as Celtic boss from 2000-2005, returned to Parkhead last month after manager Brendan Rodgers resigned following a breakdown in his relations with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

The 73-year-old has been in caretaker charge of the Scottish champions for the last four games.

But O’Neill has repeatedly stressed the “interim” nature of his current role and it has been reported this week the Celtic board have been interviewing candidates, with French coach Wilfried Nancy of MLS club Columbus Crew emerging as a contender to take over at the Glasgow giants.

O’Neill, speaking to BBC Radio Ulster, was open-minded about his prospects of still being at the helm for the November 22 match away to St Mirren, when the Scottish Premiership resumes after the international break.

“The short and honest answer is I genuinely do not know,” the former Northern Ireland midfielder said in an interview broadcast on Friday morning.

O’Neill, who has taken Celtic to second in the table, seven points behind leaders Hearts but with a game in hand, added: “I am not party to anything that is happening with the board talking to prospective clients and things like this, nor do I want to be because that’s never been a remit of mine.

“The gentlemen involved can very easily make up their own minds about people without me interfering in any aspect. I said that I would do it until they found that replacement.

“And is that possible for next week? I genuinely do not know. My job was to come in and hold the fort, and the minute that someone is appointed, I will step aside.”