Martin O’Neill is enjoying a much-earned rest during the international break.
The club legend was brought back to Celtic Park on an interim basis, replacing Brendan Rodgers after his sudden resignation.
O’Neill’s return was a major surprise, but results and performances have fostered positivity among the support, and the question is now being asked about whether he will remain in charge.
O’Neill has said that he expects nothing from Celtic, insisting that he thinks the club will hire a ‘young and upcoming’ coach in his place.
But for John Hartson, one of his much-loved former players, there is hope – and expectation – that he’ll stick around.
John Hartson on interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill
O’Neill has won three of his four matches, steadying the ship domestically but falling short against Midtjylland in the Europa League.
His iconic first spell gives him credit in the bank, but will Dermot Desmond stick with him?
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Hartson was full of kind words for his former manager, even recalling the magical advice he received from O’Neill during his illness.
He told Sky Sports: “I think he was the perfect appointment at the time. Martin knows the blueprint, he’s had a lot of success at the club.
“He’ll certainly command a respect off the players, and for Martin to have come in, he won the semi-final a couple of weeks ago, he’s won the league games.
“I hope he gets the cup final, I really do hope he gets that, and I think it will be good thing. I think he’ll give the players a lift.
“And like he said to me when I was very unwell, he said ‘John, just wake up every morning now, son, and smell the coffee.’
“And I think that’s what he’d like to do, and that’s what I’d like to say to him.”
Words to live by, for sure – whether O’Neill continues to smell the coffee at Celtic Park remains to be seen…
Candidates for the permanent job at Celtic
Wilfried Nancy is the current front-runner for the Hoops hotseat, but given his position as an unknown quantity, his appointment would be a definite risk.
Kjetil Knutsen is also still in the running, but he is not expected to leave Bodo/Glimt until their Champions League campaign is over, and he wouldn’t come cheap.
Kieran McKenna has been endorsed for the job, but also wouldn’t come cheap given his lucrative long-term contract at Ipswich.
Craig Bellamy, Brian Barry-Murphy and Robbie Keane have also been mentioned.
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