Charlie Mulgrew has revealed that he met Martin O’Neill on his way for talks with Dermot Desmond.
O’Neill is seemingly in a battle with Robbie Keane for the hotseat, with both men holding discussions in London.
In the eyes of many in the Parkhead support, O’Neill is the preferred candidate given his remarkable impact in both of his interim spells this season.
However, he has been vocal about his reservations over a permanent stay, leaving everything up in the air.
Your reaction to the latest development in the Celtic manager race?
Charlie Mulgrew on meeting Martin O’Neill: ‘He didn’t give much away’
Mulgrew said on the Go Radio Football Show: “I bumped into him in the airport, when we were flying down to London.
“He just put his earphones in as soon as he saw me!
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“Nah, he was on his way down to meet Dermot. So he didn’t give much away. I just congratulated him again.
“We spoke about what he’d done at the end of the season, how well he’d done and stuff. He was just going down to see Dermot.
“He didn’t know what was coming of the talks. I’ve said it before, I’d love to see Martin O’Neill get it for another year.
“If Celtic sort out all the stuff that needs sorted behind the scenes, I think it would be a perfect opportunity to give him it.
“But I also think [that] if they’re going to give him it, they need to give him a good bit of money to spend. The reason being: Martin O’Neill’s not particularly got a playing style. He’s a winner, which is something you can’t buy.
“When you look at Ange Postecoglou, he’s got a clear playing style, so he can buy the likes of Maeda playing on the wings. Somebody that’s got a clear identity.
“I think Martin O’Neill’s different. He would need to bring players in that go and produce a bit of magic when you need them in the last minute of games or big games.
“You would need leaders and men.”
Should Celtic build a statue of Martin O’Neill outside of Parkhead?
Celtic’s decision on Martin O’Neill
With such a stellar record across both of his interim spells this season, you’d have to assume that O’Neill is the club’s first choice for the job.
However, a completely different challenge awaits next season, with a significant rebuild of the team’s playing squad ahead.
The factor of O’Neill’s age has undoubtedly been done to death, but the fact remains that he would be well within his rights to call it a day after such a special farewell.
Should someone else step into the dugout, Keane appears to be the only contender.
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