GLASGOW — Martin O'Neill insists he is the man to lead Celtic forward after a "time of reflection" during the ongoing international break, saying he is just as determined to win the league on his new one-year deal at Parkhead. The 74-year-old signed the one-year contract after two interim spells last season that culminated in a league and Scottish Cup double.
The Northern Irishman had questioned his future after a difficult stretch last month that included two defeats by Rangers either side of a 3-1 home defeat by Ferencvaros in the Europa League, saying "it might be time to wrap it up" in reference to his managerial career. "I am extremely prepared now for it," O'Neill said in a club interview. "We had a difficult week. That can happen. You can lose to your arch-rivals, you can lose the European game."
Celtic rallied around its legendary boss during the pause, with chief executive Michael Nicholson publicly backing O'Neill as speculation grew about his future. "It's certainly not the end of the world as it seemed to be described as," O'Neill said. "I thought I would take a bit of time, and it didn't take me that much time to think about it. I want to lead the club, I want to try to win the league and I'm just as determined now than ever before."
"It was a time of reflection for a moment or two, but overall, I'm back, I'm raring to go and the team's ready," O'Neill added, signaling Celtic is ready to reset after the break and push for another league title.