Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is in hospital after undergoing a 'small procedure', the club have confirmed. Celtic said in a statement that O'Neill, 74, is expected to be discharged within the 'next day or two'.
There are no details about the Northern Irishman's procedure. O'Neill was in the dugout as Celtic began their Scottish Premiership title defence at home to Dundee on Monday, winning 1-0.
O'Neill's recent appointment
After two interim spells last season, the former Aston Villa boss signed a one-year contract plus the option of a further 12 months to become Celtic's permanent manager in June. Previously, O'Neill hadn't managed since 2019.
Celtic announced on Wednesday afternoon: "In response to speculation, we can confirm that Martin O'Neill has undergone a small procedure in hospital," the Scottish champions posted on social media.
Club statement and reaction
"We would envisage Martin being released from hospital in the next day or two and on behalf of Martin, we would like to thank supporters for their kind wishes. We would ask that the privacy of Martin and his family is respected."
O'Neill led Celtic to a memorable Scottish league and cup double last season. His first spell came after the shock departure of Brendan Rodgers in October.
Return and future plans
He then returned to Parkhead in January, with Wilfried Nancy having been sacked after just eight games. After talks with Celtic's major shareholder, Dermot Desmond, O'Neill decided to stay on for this season.
Despite having the option to extend his stay for the 2027-28 campaign, O'Neill recently indicated that the new season will be his last. When asked about his initial reluctance to take the permanent job earlier this summer, the 74-year-old admitted to Sky Sports: "Well, that was genuine, really, because I wasn't sure at the time. In all honesty, I'm not even sure now!"
"But I've got the chance to come back. When we go and clinch the championship, it's euphoria you feel at the time, and then time passes on.
"So you're a year further on, and I think the only thing I could really guarantee you is that, if I do survive the year, that would really be it. Time does catch up with you, and I genuinely mean this about surviving the year, because you step into it again."
Last year gives you a bit of respite, that's all it does - but we're in the results business, and we have to win. And I'm absolutely no different to anybody else; I have to try and win some football matches, otherwise I'll find myself in trouble.
