Celtic‘s depressing European marketing campaign continued on Thursday night as Martin O’Neill’s facet suffered one other disappointing defeat within the Europa League.
The Hoops had been crushed 2-1 by Celta Vigo at Celtic Park, leaving them with no level from their opening three matches within the competitors.
Issues had seemed promising when Mika Baur fired Celtic forward shortly after half-time, however two objectives in fast succession from Javi Rodriguez turned the sport on its head, and the Celtic supervisor insisted he couldn’t query his gamers’ dedication.
“Actually, I can not fault the hassle,” O’Neill stated. “We put every little thing into it. It has been a troublesome previous week for us in lots of features.
“We have travelled again from Portugal. We have placed on a very sensible efficiency on Sunday. That gave us the boldness to go on right now.”
Regardless of their struggles in Europe, Celtic have proven indicators of enchancment domestically following a tough begin to the marketing campaign.
O’Neill got here beneath vital strain after consecutive Previous Agency defeats to Rangers, with questions even raised about whether or not he would stay in cost.
Nonetheless, the Northern Irishman has steadied the ship in latest weeks, most notably overseeing a surprising 7-1 victory over Hearts that helped restore confidence round Parkhead.
Nonetheless, the 74-year-old isn’t anticipated to stay in cost past the tip of the season, and Celtic at the moment are starting preparations for his departure.
Celtic discussing Martin O’Neill replacements behind the scenes
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes Celtic are already contemplating potential successors to O’Neill, with the membership anticipated to nominate a brand new supervisor subsequent summer time.
Talking to Soccer Insider, Brown recommended that the veteran boss is prone to see out the present marketing campaign following his facet’s latest enchancment, however doesn’t anticipate him extending his keep.
“I would not count on O’Neill to depart Celtic between now and the tip of the season,” Brown defined.
“It appeared like a risk for some time, however they’ve moved previous that, they’ve returned to their high kind and so they’re nonetheless on target to do effectively within the league this season.
“However I do not suppose there’s any probability he may keep longer than what’s at the moment deliberate, I feel he is prepared to depart Celtic on the finish of the season no matter what occurs.”
Brown additionally believes Celtic are already holding inner discussions about their subsequent appointment to keep away from being caught unprepared when O’Neill finally departs.
“They will be taking a look at completely different choices behind the scenes and holding talks about who may be the perfect candidate, even when nothing goes to be superior but.
“They will wish to have a succession plan in place, as a result of in any other case we’ll get to the summer time and so they’ll begin scrambling to see who may be obtainable.”
Robbie Keane, Sean Dyche and David Moyes have all been linked with the Celtic job, whereas former supervisor Neil Lennon has additionally been talked about as a potential candidate.
Keane was reportedly interviewed by the membership in the course of the summer time earlier than the choice was made to retain O’Neill, probably placing the previous Republic of Eire striker in a powerful place ought to the emptiness come up.
Celtic additionally dealing with Cameron Carter-Vickers switch concern
Alongside the uncertainty surrounding their managerial place, Celtic may additionally face a battle to maintain maintain of influential defender Cameron Carter-Vickers subsequent summer time.
The USA worldwide has established himself as a key determine at Parkhead since becoming a member of from Tottenham, however latest experiences counsel he might be tempted by a return to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old stays blissful at Celtic and isn’t anticipated to depart in January, however he would contemplate affords from English top-flight golf equipment ought to they arrive on the finish of the marketing campaign.
Carter-Vickers is beneath contract till 2029, that means Celtic could be in a powerful negotiating place if curiosity materialises.
With O’Neill virtually actually departing and one of many membership’s most essential defenders additionally contemplating his future, subsequent summer time may deliver vital adjustments at Celtic Park.
