'He may be tempted': Former Scotland winger makes Martin O'Neill claim amid Hearts title confession
The former Scotland man has been discussing the future of Martin O’Neill
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill could remain at the club beyond the summer if the right conditions are met, according to close friend and former Scotland winger Eddie Gray.
The 73-year-old boss has taken the Hoops to within three points of Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership, winning five of his six league games since replacing Wilfried Nancy early in the new year, and 15 of his 18 games in total across his two stints at the club this season.
Returning to the club on a deal until the end of the season in January when the Frenchman was sacked following a 3-1 home defeat to Rangers, many supporters have called for O’Neill to remain as the club’s manager beyond the summer after his outstanding record, though, the veteran manager jokingly admitted that managing the club had been detrimental to his health, admitting their 97th minute win against Kilmarnock at the weekend had left him feeling “drained” and looking “dreadful.”
However, speaking on Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, former Leeds United icon Gray thinks he may be tempted to stay on beyond the summer if the club achieve the success they crave this season. “I think Martin O’Neill may decide that he wants another season at Celtic,” Gray said. “You can never tell with his thinking – if Celtic are in the Champions League, then he may be tempted to stay on for another year. I think it all depends on how the season finishes and who wins the Scottish Premiership.”
A popular figure in Celtic history, having won three league titles during his first stint in charge of the club between 2000 and 2005, O’Neill’s popularity has only grown since returning to the club, losing just once during his two interim spells in charge. While he insisted he is unlikely to renew his deal with Celtic at the end of the current campaign, his 78-year-old friend believes there will be a temptation to stay.
Hearts currently occupy top spot in the Scottish Premiership; however, their lead was cut to just two points when they lost 4-2 to Rangers at Ibrox last weekend. While Celtic are behind both in third place, and three points off the pace, they crucially have a game on hand on both of their title rivals.
“If Celtic win it, then O’Neill may be drawn to stay on for another year,” he said. “So we’ll see what happens between now and the end of the season. Hearts have got a very strong squad and will certainly take some beating, but once the Old Firm get within touching distance, they’re used to the expectation of winning. A few months ago I thought it was a certainty that Hearts would win it.”
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