Celtic 'holding talks' about sacking Martin O'Neill as another exit route discussed

Celtic are holding internal talks to discuss Martin O'Neill's future after a miserable week piled pressure on his poisition.

The Hoops suffered a 3-0 defeat against Rangers at Ibrox, followed by a 3-1 Europa League defeat against Ferencvaros, and then another Old Firm defeat, this time at home.

Those results, combined with their dramatic exit from the Champions League qualifyers against LASK, have led to serious concerns about their performances in the biggest games.

As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic are weighing up whether to part company with O'Neill during the international break.

The 1-0 defeat against Rangers at Parkhead had led to intense calls for the manager's head, with supporters singing against him following the full-time whistle.

O'Neill has since suggested he could walk away from his position, but regardless of his stance over his own future, Celtic could step in and make the decision for him.

Could Celtic pull the trigger on Martin O'Neill?

Football Insider revealed on 20 September that Celtic would make a deicison on O'Neill's future following the Rangers clash where a win would have eased the pressure.

Instead, the 1-0 defeat only raised the stakes for the manager, and the fans' reaction at full time could spell an early end to what was only ever supposed to be a short stint in charge.

Discussions are now being held behind the scenes to plan for the future, inclduing drafting a list of potential replacements, as Celtic weigh up their decision.

"Even if O'Neill doesn't decide to leave Celtic, he could be pushed before he can jump," Brown told Football Insider.

"Celtic know these recent results have been well below expectations, and after the way the fans reacted against Rangers, it feels like it's the beginning of the end for him.

"Ahead of the international break, I expect there will be meetings and talks held behind the scenes to dicsuss the manager's future.

"They'll have to weigh up their options, who might be available to replace him, and whether they think sacking him is the right thing to do, then they'll make a decision."

Will O'Neill walk away from Celtic in the near future?

While Celtic continue to deliberate over the manager's future, the decision could yet be taken out of their hands, with O'Neill believed to be considering his position.

Given the fans' reaction to the defeat against Rangers, it has become clear that large sections no longer want the 74-year-old in charge, and he could be pushed out.

Brown told Football Insider on 21 September that O'Neill could now quit Celtic if he feels he no longer has the support of the club or the fans after recent results.

Since taking charge on an interim basis last season, the manager has done a good job at Parkhead, and led his side to Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup success.

O'Neill took the permanent job at Celtic on the basis that it could be an easy ride as it was last season, but with pressure now piling on, he could decide to walk away.