Celtic appoint Martin O'Neill permanently following double trophy success in interim spell

O'Neill agreed a one year contract with an option for a further year's extension.

He oversaw two separate periods as interim manager of Celtic during a turbulent season that ended in remarkable style.

"It is once again a great honour for me to carry on as Celtic manager," O'Neill stated on Thursday.

"Last season will stay with us all for a very long time and to be part of that success has really made me hungry to work again for more days like those and provide our supporters with those moments."

O'Neill, who previously enjoyed a successful period at the Glasgow club from 2000 to 2005, first returned to Celtic Park in October after Brendan Rodgers left.

Despite winning all eight of his domestic matches, O'Neill departed when Wilfried Nancy was appointed on a permanent basis.

However, Nancy was swiftly dismissed after a poor run of results and O'Neill returned in January.

O'Neill inspired a remarkable title winning campaign as Celtic edged out Hearts on the final day of the season with a dramatic victory against the Edinburgh side.

Hearts, aiming for their first league title since 1960, led the standings for most of the season but Celtic benefited from a highly contentious penalty to defeat Motherwell in their second last game.

O'Neill's team came from a goal behind to beat Hearts in Glasgow in a decisive final day showdown, sealing the club's fifth consecutive title.

Seven days later, O'Neill claimed his ninth trophy as Celtic manager when the Bhoys beat Dunfermline 3 1 in the Scottish Cup final.

Former Celtic striker Robbie Keane had been linked with the role in recent weeks.

But pro Palestinian Celtic supporters opposed that potential appointment due to Keane's time in charge of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Urging Celtic to build on last season's double, O'Neill said: "Celtic can never rely on past achievements so we are aiming to move forward together as we strive to deliver again for the club and our fans.

"I thank our fans for their continued support, it means everything. I look forward to being back at Celtic Park, where we will come together and try to bring our fans the success that support deserves."

Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond promised the club will back O'Neill's plans in the transfer market.

The Celtic hierarchy has faced criticism from fans over their reluctance to spend large sums on signings in the past.

"Time and again Martin has demonstrated his abilities," Desmond said.

"We know he is a winner, we know what the club means to him and he remains the outstanding candidate.

"He understands the demands at Celtic and I know how determined he is once again to bring success to the club and our supporters.

"The club will fully support Martin again during the close season to ensure we are well prepared to achieve domestic success and compete in Europe."