Sources: Martin O’Neill in ‘driving seat’ to be next Celtic manager
Martin O’Neill has enjoyed a strong interim spell since stepping in to replace Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and is being considered for the permanent job.
O’Neill’s side lost 3-1 to Midtjylland on 6 November, in what was a frustrating game for the boss and his first defeat since stepping into the role at Parkhead.
However, the previous victories under his management including Celtic’s big 3-1 win against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final have placed him in firm contention.
Football Insider revealed on 3 November that O’Neill is increasingly likely to be offered the Celtic job as a result of their impressive performances under his guidance.
Despite their ongoing European frustrations, Celtic fans have been impressed by O’Neill, with the interim boss heavily tipped to remain in his post.
Martin O’Neill leading the race to become the next Celtic boss
Football Insider exclusively revealed revealed on 31 October that O’Neill could take the permanent Celtic job if his spell as interim boss is a success.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 73-year-old is now in the driving seat for an extended stay at Parkhead, whether that would mean taking on the permanent role or simply extending his interim period.
In the meantime, the boss has helped to ease pressure on the board, and will allow them to take their time over a decision before appointing their next permanent boss.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “It doesn’t seem they’re any closer at the moment.
“O’Neill is in the driving seat to keep the job, potentially until the end of the season or longer if he wants it.
“He’s come in and steadied the ship, picked up two wins from his first two games and a big one against Rangers as well.
“We’re coming up to an international break, so that will give Celtic more time to whittle down the shortlist of managers they’ve been looking at.
“Martin O’Neill’s come in and he’s probably eased the pressure on the board and them having to make a quick appointment as well.
“If O’Neill is willing to continue in the job on an interim basis then that gives Celtic even more time to make the right decision and bring in a new manager to replace Brendan Rodgers.”
This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that O’Neill is unlikely to take the permanent Celtic job, but could extend his interim spell.
Kjetil Knutsen and Kieran McKenna considered by Celtic
Should O’Neill opt to remain as the interim boss on a long-term basis, potentially until the end of the season, it could open the door for new candidates to step up.
A number of high-profile bosses have been on their shortlist, with Kjetil Knutsen tipped to become Celtic’s next manager as the latest name in the running.
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna remains a target for Celtic, and is also believed to be firmly in the running for the position.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 6 November that McKenna is “very interested” in joining Celtic after what has been a frustrating start to the season at Ipswich.
However, there are doubts about whether the Hoops could justify paying his significant compensation fee which is believed to be set at around £5million.
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