Celtic fear Martin O’Neill exit could spark exodus - ‘They can’t afford to lose players’
Celtic could be forced to block exits for several key players in January if Martin O'Neill leaves the club in the coming months, sources have told Football Insider.
O'Neill admitted prior to the international break that he was set to consider his future as Celtic manager after two defeats to Rangers in seven days.
Celtic's players largely remain behind the 74-year-old as his future at the club hangs in the balance.
The Hoops remain top of the Premiership, but have crashed out of the Champions League and were also beaten in their first Europa League fixture before the break.
His squad want him to continue as manager, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, some players may look to leave the club in January if O'Neill departs before then.
The pressure is on for the 74-year-old as it stands, but Celtic are unlikely to wield the axe after Michael Nicholson backed him in a public statement last week.
Celtic to block January exits if Martin O'Neill leaves
Celtic are set to enter the market for new signings after the turn of the year and have no plans to let their key men leave.
They are concerned that some players could angle for moves away if O'Neill walks out before January, with uncertainty lingering about their chances of success this season.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I don't think, if anything were to happen with Martin O’Neill, if he decided to walk away, that it would lead to an exodus of players. Some Celtic fans are unhappy and feel that the squad is still quite thin. They need to add to it, so I don't think they could afford to let players leave as well.
"The club are trying to rally around O'Neill and everyone else as they try to get their season back on track once this international break is over."
Celtic unlikely to appoint Kieran McKenna to replace O'Neill
The rumour mill is already spinning over who could potentially replace O'Neill as Celtic manager if he leaves in the coming weeks or months.
Former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been touted as a possible successor after he reportedly grew up as a fan of the club and impressed with the East Anglian club in recent years.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Celtic are unlikely to appoint McKenna due to the compensation fee it will take to see him move to Parkhead.
Ipswich will reportedly be due £8m if any club wishes to appoint him before next June, which is almost certainly out of the Hoops' price range for a new manager.