Martin O’Neill’s close friend reveals how he is feeling about still being in charge of Celtic

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Nobody expected Martin O’Neill to still be at Celtic for as long as he has.

When Brendan Rodgers resigned, O’Neill stepped in alongside Shaun Maloney to steer the ship on an interim basis.

Many expected this project to last for one or two games but here we are, with the 73-year-old preparing to take charge for the seventh time against Dundee on Wednesday.

The delayed appointment of Wilfried Nancy is the reason the Celtic legend is here for an extra period, but one close friend of his admitted that he is feeling the demands of the job.

• READ MORE: Steven Caldwell names four players Wilfried Nancy could bring to Celtic

Martin O’Neill feeling ‘knackered’ but loving Celtic job

Graham Spiers knows O’Neill well and has been in regular dialogue with the Northern Irishman throughout his tenure.

Spiers revealed on his Press Box podcast that he had spoken to the 73-year-old after the Hoops’ Europa League defeat against FC Midtjylland, where O’Neill admitted that he is feeling ‘knackered’.

He said: “I think Martin has become a little more excited and a little more intrigued by this project with every passing day and every passing week.

“However, he did say to me on the phone the other night after Denmark that he was knackered.

“He said, ‘I’m knackered,’ and no wonder. But if I were Dermot Desmond, that’s exactly what I’d be tempted to say.”

Martin O’Neill’s legacy remains intact

There were concerns that O’Neill may damage his legacy if he stayed at Celtic for too long, but if anything, his stock has only risen.

Aside from that loss in Denmark, the Hoops have won every game, including a Glasgow derby victory against Rangers.

He has promised to ride off into the sunset once the manager situation is resolved, but there is no doubt that the 73-year-old has brought the fun back to Celtic on the pitch.