Martin O'Neill confirms Celtic stay after reflecting on managerial future

Martin O'Neill has confirmed he will remain Celtic manager after considering his future during the international break. BBC Sport reported on October 6 that the 74-year-old had renewed his commitment to leading the club following a run of defeats that prompted him to question whether he should continue in management.

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Celtic lost twice to Rangers last month, with a 3-1 home defeat by Ferencvaros in the Europa League between those setbacks. O'Neill had subsequently suggested his managerial career might be nearing its end. His latest comments in a club interview instead made clear that he wants to stay and pursue another league title.

The manager signed a one-year contract after two spells in interim charge last season ended with Celtic winning the league and Scottish Cup. The agreement kept him at Parkhead for the current season. BBC Sport reported that chief executive Michael Nicholson publicly supported him after the recent losses. O'Neill said the break had provided time to reflect, but that reaching his decision had not taken long.

Sky Sports also reported O'Neill's explanation of that review. He said a manager needs to examine his own decisions and identify anything that has deteriorated. He discussed the small margins in the Rangers match, including a missed opportunity to equalise after halftime, while confirming that he had completed his self-assessment and was ready to resume.

The manager also supplied fitness updates. According to Sky Sports, Jota played 45 minutes in a training-ground friendly against Falkirk on Friday as he continued his return following 18 months out with a knee injury. Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand had returned to training following hamstring injuries, another development O'Neill welcomed during the break.

Hyun-Jun Yang's condition remained subject to further assessment after hamstring trouble while away with South Korea. O'Neill said he would evaluate the winger on Friday. Celtic return to league action at Motherwell's Fir Park on Sunday, October 11, with O'Neill having now clarified his intention to continue in charge.