Gordon Dalziel tells Celtic why they shouldn’t rush to replace ‘terrific’ Martin O’Neill over international break

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The speed of Celtic’s managerial search is causing debate.

Chris Sutton has urged the club to be as fast with their appointment as possible, partially in order to avoid damaging Martin O’Neill’s legacy.

But with a host of different names in the frame, it’s also crucial for the Hoops to make their search as thorough as possible.

We are embarking on an international break for the next two weeks, creating an opportunity for the Hoops to work on their interviews without any matches.

But for Gordon Dalziel, there is something to be said for holding out for a few more games with O’Neill.

Gordon Dalziel urges Celtic not to rush with manager recruitment process

Wilfried Nancy would be instantly available after his Columbus Crew side’s season was ended by FC Cincinnati on Saturday night.

But for fellow contender Kjetil Knutsen, 67HailHail has been told that the Hoops would need to wait until the new year at the very earliest – likely until the end of January.

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Dalziel was speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard with Hugh Keevins and Cammy Bell, who both said that they expected O’Neill to remain in charge over the coming weeks.

And Dalziel agreed with them, saying: “Full house for me. I think there’s an opportunity for Celtic to take a deep breath.

Yes, it was disappointing on Thursday night, but Martin O’Neill showed domestically – Falkirk, Rangers, Shaun Maloney’s there, he’s got a backroom staff that can go and cope with the next few games, and give Celtic that bit of time.

“I keep going back to it, long gone are the days where people think that Celtic and Rangers pick their phone up and managers come running. It doesn’t work like that anymore.

“We know that they’re massive clubs, so it does take a bit of time, and it’s important for both clubs that you get the right person in.

“And Celtic have got that little bit of breathing space, with the fact that they’re under safe hands with a terrific manager in Martin O’Neill.”

When will Celtic replace Martin O’Neill?

Celtic’s decision to bring O’Neill up to replace Brendan Rodgers was certainly an indication that they don’t see him as a quick fix.

The club could easily have just stuck with Shaun Maloney, who was already in the building. Instead. they have hired O’Neill and Mark Fotheringham externally.

Ange Postecoglou’s lack of interest in returning could be playing a part here, too. Perhaps the Hoops board are prepared to wait if they don’t feel that the right candidates are available.

But with Knutsen and Nancy both reportedly being pursued, there is a chance that today’s match against Kilmarnock could be O’Neill’s last.