Martin O’Neill commits to Celtic after considering his future

Martin O’Neill has decided to remain as Celtic manager after briefly considering leaving the club following a difficult spell of results.

Celtic suffered three consecutive defeats before the international break, prompting O’Neill to reflect on his position. However, the manager says he is now fully focused on leading the club’s bid to win the Scottish league title.

“We had a difficult week, and that is something that can happen,” O’Neill told Celtic’s club channel. “You can lose to your traditional rivals or lose a European match, but it is certainly not the end of the world, as it seemed.”

O’Neill admitted he initially expected to need more time before deciding on his future.

“I thought I would need some time to think about it, but I did not need all that time,” he said.

The Celtic manager made clear that his ambition remains unchanged, with the club currently top of the Scottish league.

“I want to lead the club, and I want to try to win the league,” O’Neill said. “That is what we set as our objective from the beginning, and I am more determined to do that now than ever.”

He added: “It was a moment to think for a minute or two, and about some of the things that you consider, but generally I came back enthusiastic and ready to get going. The team is ready.”

O’Neill said Celtic’s immediate priority was to return to winning form after the run of defeats.

“We have to try to win matches,” he said. “That is what the club is about, and it is also what my coaching career has been built on. You have to win matches.”

Celtic sit top of the Scottish league with 18 points from seven matches. They are two points clear of rivals Rangers, while Haitham Hassan is among the club’s players.