Celtic Sources: Martin O’Neill sack update as Rangers trigger revolt
Martin O'Neill is not facing the sack at Celtic but knows that he must keep them above Rangers to stay in the job for the whole season, sources have told Football Insider.
Celtic suffered a humiliating defeat to rivals Rangers last weekend as they crashed out of the Premier Sports Cup at Ibrox.
They failed to bounce back in midweek as Ferencvaros came away with a 3-1 win at Parkhead in their opening Europa League fixture of the campaign.
O'Neill has come under fire for both results, but the Hoops remain top of the Premiership with six wins in as many games so far.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the club are not planning to relieve him of his duties but O'Neill knows that they could wield the axe if they start to struggle.
Celtic host Rangers in their first league encounter of the season on Sunday, with three points imperative to stop more fans turning on the boss.
Martin O'Neill understands Celtic's plans as sack decision made
Football Insider's sources have warned that Celtic fans could fully turn on O'Neill with another defeat to Rangers this weekend.
The 74-year-old is likely to leave at the end of his contract next summer regardless, with the board not planning to make a snap decision anytime soon.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's a results business, so being a manager of Celtic for Old Firm games as well brings its own pressure, there's no doubt about it, and Martin O'Neill will be fully aware of that.
"He's got a lot of credit in the bank from what he's done for the club and is a hero in the eyes of the Celtic fans, but look, a defeat to your biggest rivals doesn't go down well and obviously failure to qualify to the Champions League brings scrutiny. He's still under no immediate pressure right now."
What has O'Neill said about his Celtic future?
O'Neill's age has been called into question by Celtic fans, especially since he had spent six years out of management before becoming their interim boss last year.
The veteran manager has responded to claims that he is not fit to lead the team forward ahead of the Rangers clash, saying: "I understand. I also get the fact they might be asking why the team is being led by a 74-year-old man. When I was 73, we won."
"We're far from rock bottom. We're still in the lead in the league. If we can win this weekend and extend the lead, if not, we're still going to be in front going into the international break."