MARTIN O’NEILL could be open to a stunning U-turn regarding a permanent return as Celtic manager.
The 73-year-old was installed as the caretaker boss earlier this week after Brendan Rodgers had sensationally quit as boss.
And 25 years after his first Old Firm win, the Northern Irishman guided the Hoops to another one today in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final as they beat Rangers 3-1.
After the game, O’Neill was quizzed on his future at the club and whether he had given any second thoughts to staying on permanently.
He had previously insisted he was only taking on the job as a placeholder, with Celtic looking to bring in a “young manager with a very decent CV”.
Speaking to Premier Sports, O’Neill began: “Obviously, I’m delighted to have won the game for a start.
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“I thought we played splendidly when it was 11 v 11 and then we lost impetus and Rangers came into the game.
“They had a good spell when it was 10 v 11 where they actually controlled the game for a while.
“But we missed some great chances in the match and if we had taken those then… well, we won! And that’s it.”
Then he was probed on the chances of him still being in post when the final comes around on December 14.
He replied: “I don’t even know when the final is!
“December 14th?
“I would imagine, on a serious note, there’s a fortnight break at the end of next week, that the club will be making inroads to getting someone in.”
Then he was asked directly if he would reconsider taking the job permanently.
And he hinted that it’s a possibility.
He said: “Maybe ask me that tomorrow.
“Today? No.”
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