Martin O’Neill has given an update on his health as the Celtic boss continues his recovery following a small hospital procedure last week.
O’Neill was released from hospital the following day. Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney visited him shortly afterwards and reported that the manager was “in good form.”
O’Neill was not in the dugout for Celtic’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, with Maloney taking charge from the touchline.
He was still able to have an input before the game.
O’Neill met the Celtic squad at their team hotel before they travelled to Rugby Park, where he delivered a few words to the players ahead of what turned into a convincing away victory.
“Better than last week, anyway.
“A couple of ailments rolled into one, unfortunately. But I’m getting there, which is good news.”
That is encouraging to hear from the Celtic boss after his spell in hospital.
There will naturally be an eagerness among supporters to see O’Neill back in the technical area. There should be no rush, though.
His recovery is far more important than getting him back into the dugout for the sake of one match, and the fact he was able to meet the players before Sunday’s game shows he is already keeping himself involved where possible.
Celtic are back on the road this weekend when they travel to face Dundee United in the second round of the League Cup.
The match kicks off at 5.45 pm and will be shown live on Premier Sports.
O’Neill’s involvement on the touchline will depend on how his recovery progresses over the coming days.
Maloney has already shown he can handle things from the technical area while the manager recuperates, and Celtic’s emphatic victory at Rugby Park meant there was little reason for O’Neill to push himself unnecessarily.
For now, the most significant update came from the man himself. He is feeling better than he did last week and, in his own words, he is progressing positively.
The animated O’Neill prowling the Celtic technical area can wait until he is properly ready to return.
Martin O’Neill has reportedly sent an emotional message to Celtic supporters after receiving the medical green light, with the former manager opening up about his difficult time in hospital and revealing a deeply painful detail involving one Celtic star.
O’Neill, who has always maintained a strong emotional connection with Celtic and its supporters, reportedly used his message to thank fans and everyone who had shown concern during his recovery. However, amid the words of appreciation, one revelation immediately caught the attention of supporters.
According to the story, O’Neill claimed that a Celtic player who had previously refused to sign a new contract with the club also refused to visit him while he was in hospital. The alleged decision has sparked plenty of debate among supporters, particularly because of the respect O’Neill has enjoyed within the Celtic community.
From his sick bed, O’Neill is said to have made it clear that he did not want sympathy or special treatment. Instead, his emotional message focused on gratitude towards those who stood by him during a challenging period.
The reported revelation about the unnamed Celtic star, however, has added another layer to the story. Some supporters have questioned why the player chose not to visit O’Neill, while others believe personal relationships and circumstances should remain private.
For Celtic fans, O’Neill remains a hugely respected figure, remembered for his leadership, passionate touchline presence and memorable achievements during his time at the club. His latest message has therefore generated a strong emotional reaction.
While there has been no confirmed public statement identifying the player or explaining why the hospital visit allegedly did not happen, the claim has already fuelled discussion among supporters.
For now, fans will hope O’Neill continues his recovery and gets back to full strength. His emotional message has once again demonstrated the deep bond he shares with the Celtic faithful