Celtic have yet to finalise terms with Martin O'Neill's backroom staff, delaying the official announcement of the legendary manager's permanent return. O'Neill, 74, agreed a one-year deal to take charge after guiding the club to a remarkable league and Scottish Cup double across two interim spells.
The veteran gaffer held talks with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond last week and confirmed his desire to take the job. However, negotiations with key coaching staff Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham remain unresolved, with sources indicating the two sides are still some way apart.
Maloney and Fotheringham proved popular with the playing squad following the departure of long-serving first-team coach John Kennedy. Celtic already have Gavin Strachan, Stephen McManus and Stevie Woods signed up for the new era, but O'Neill's official confirmation is unlikely until a financial package for his support staff is in place.
O'Neill was pictured at Glasgow Airport earlier this week and is due to return to Scotland this weekend for a fan Q&A in Dumfries. He landed the post ahead of Robbie Keane after a backlash from supporters over Keane's decision to stay in Israel during the Gaza conflict.
