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Celtic are pleased with Martin O’Neill’s start to life at the club and are considering extending the 73-year-old’s time in charge at Parkhead, according to Sky Sports News journalist Anthony Joseph. The Northern Irish tactician took over at Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation at the end of last month and enjoyed a positive run of results domestically, winning all of his first three games. While Celtic did suffer a concerning 3-1 defeat to Danish side Midtjylland in the Europa League, where they sit just 27th in the league table after four games, the Hoops are claimed to be happy with O’Neill’s start overall. The club are reportedly pleased with the way the 73-year-old has galvanised the squad and lifted the mood in the dressing room following Rodgers’ resignation and accusations of ‘divisive and self-serving behaviour’ from principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. Celtic reportedly feel keeping O’Neill for the time being would allow some of their permanent managerial targets to become available later in the year, with Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy topping their shortlist. Celtic Pleased with Martin O’Neill’s Start According to Sky Sports News, talks between Desmond and O’Neill are due to take place this week to discuss the 73-year-old’s future at the club amid Celtic’s ongoing search for a permanent manager. The Hoops are claimed to be considering several names alongside Nancy, including Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen, Wales head coach Craig Bellamy, Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen and Ferencvaros’ Robbie Keane. A move for former boss Ange Postecoglou looks unlikely at this stage of the campaign, while Kieran McKenna has revealed his focus remains on the season with Ipswich Town. As GIVEMESPORT reported on Monday, Nancy is a leading contender to take over the managerial reins at Parkhead from O’Neill and is viewed as a more attainable candidate than Knutsen. GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Nancy has won 71 out of his 136 games in charge of Columbus Crew, averaging 1.80 points per match. Nancy's season with Columbus Crew has already ended after they were eliminated from the MLS Cup play-offs by FC Cincinnati last weekend. The 48-year-old took over at Columbus Crew in June 2022 and has won the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup, as well as being named MLS Coach of the Year during his time at the club.
