Scottish Premiership manager in running to be next permanent Celtic boss after Martin O’Neill exit
Celtic may have appointed Martin O’Neill as their latest manager, but this has not ended the hunt for a permanent solution to their issue in the dugout.
O’Neill came through the doors at the Old Firm club yet again this week, becoming their caretaker manager until the end of the season.
The former Hoops star has taken over from Wilfried Nancy, after the Frenchman oversaw a dreadful eight-match spell at Celtic Park.
However, while O’Neill may be back at Celtic, this is not currently set to be a long-term solution, with the manager set to depart at the end of the season as it stands.
Therefore, many bookies believe that Jens Berthel Askou could be the next permanent Celtic manager.
Manager Update
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 5, 2026
Jens Berthel Askou 12/1 to become next permanent Celtic boss.
Askou has had an excellent season to date with Motherwell.
As it stands, the Steelmen are fourth in the Scottish Premiership, only two points behind Celtic in third.
In their final game of 2025, Motherwell beat Celtic 2-0 as Askou tactically outclassed Nancy in what was a dominant performance by the hosts.
Now, the bookies believe there is a chance that the Hoops may take Askou at the end of the season.
One bookmaker has Askou as 12/1 to become the next Celtic manager, making him the fourth favourite for the job.
Who else is in the running to become the next Celtic manager?
As it stands, O’Neill is the favourite to secure the Celtic job on a permanent basis.
At 1/2 odds, the Hoops manager will be looking to repeat the success he found in his spell as interim manager earlier this season.
Following him is Shaun Maloney at 5/1, with a return for Ange Postecoglou next at 8/1.
Robbie Keane is also considered an outsider for the job as he continues to find success outside of the UK.
The former Hoops star is placed at 12/1 to take over next if Celtic were to move O’Neill on at the end of the current season.