Celtic receive Martin O'Neill exit verdict

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan believes that Martin O’Neill will not resign before their clash against Motherwell after the international break, despite strong rumours that he could step down from his duties.

The Hoops are currently top of the Scottish Premiership table after seven matches, but they blew a four-goal lead versus LASK in Champions League qualifying in late August and they have lost back-to-back matches against arch-rivals Rangers, in addition to a defeat versus Ferencvaros in the Europa League.

O’Neill admitted that he will use the international break as a chance to “reflect” following his side’s second defeat to Rangers within the space of a week and it’s understood that his long-term future at Celtic Park is in serious doubt.

The 74-year-old was appointed on a permanent basis over the summer following a superb interim stint last season, however he has lost the support of some Celtic fans and he has confirmed that he will speak to the club’s hierarchy to discuss a possible exit.

However, ex-Celtic star Allan believes that O’Neill will not step down from his duties with the Glasgow giants before their next league fixture on 11 October, despite his uncertain future.

Celtic receive Martin O’Neill verdict

“I think communication has been one of the biggest problems when you look at the Celtic fans and the board and the statements coming out," Allan told Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (via Celtic Way).

“For them to come out and do that at that time, Martin's obviously a club legend, you would imagine - and I'm saying that because you don't know for certain they've had they conversations.

"He's been away for a few days and cleared his head, and probably looked at some of the reaction to the performance.

"I think any guy who's been in football, especially O'Neill for that length of time, the natural reaction is to hang on in there and fight to prove people wrong and for me I don't expect him to leave before the next league game.”

Celtic face Motherwell on 11 October before travelling to Benfica four days later for their second Europa League match of the season.