Why Andy Halliday admitted he ‘celebrated’ Martin O’Neill’s Celtic return

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The return of Martin O’Neill to Celtic wasn’t just celebrated by the Celtic supporters this week.

O’Neill returned to the club after Celtic sacked Wilfried Nancy after a disastrous spell saw the champions fall behind in the title race.

Celtic destroyed Dundee United this afternoon as O’Neill’s third era as Celtic manager got off to a great start, helping to rebuild the players’ shattered confidence.

But as Celtic supporters rejoiced at O’Neill’s return, so did Andy Halliday as the Motherwell midfielder admits why he welcomed the return of the legendary Hoops boss.

• READ MORE: Martin O’Neill slaps down BBC man’s jibe as Celtic boss explains starting line-up vs Dundee United

Andy Halliday relieved Celtic couldn’t poach Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou

Halliday was delighted as O’Neill returned to Celtic, but it’s not the reason the Hoops support will think it is.

Halliday told BBC Sportsound, “Well, quite surprisingly, I actually celebrated Celtic getting Martin O’Neill because it meant that our manager wasn’t going anywhere for the immediate future, thankfully.

“But yeah, he’s a special manager [Askou], arguably the best I’ve worked under. I think a lot was spoken about how good the style of play is, how good Motherwell are on the ball, but I think it’s kind of every facet, the way the team is functioning at the moment.”

Jens Berthel Askou as the next Celtic manager?

There is no doubt Jens Berthel Askou is a talented manager, as Motherwell’s results have shown.

Celtic suffered at Motherwell as Askou’s side painfully passed the Hoops off the park in the Fir Park defeat.

But could Askou be in with a chance of becoming Celtic’s next manager? There are many fans who have suggested this due to his well-organised and highly-attacking style that has seen Motherwell climb to fourth in the Scottish Premiership table.

However, if Martin O’Neill continues to get results and performances like the win against Dundee United, you can’t rule him out from being offered the job long-term.