O'Neill aims to enjoy unexpected Celtic return

Martin O'Neill promised to savour his surprising comeback to leading Celtic, the Scottish title holders, after taking over temporarily from Brendan Rodgers.

The 73-year-old has signed on as interim manager for Celtic, right after Rodgers' abrupt departure on Monday.

Having previously led Celtic to success over five fruitful years, O'Neill confessed that pressure to achieve outcomes often prevented him from truly relishing his earlier roles.

This seasoned coach, with past stints at Aston Villa, Sunderland, Leicester, Norwich, Wycombe, and the Republic of Ireland, and whose most recent position was with Nottingham Forest in 2019, plans a calmer mindset for his Celtic revival.

"Throughout my working life, I occasionally questioned if I ever truly appreciated it. I might be too gloomy to do so. Yet at this advanced stage, I intend to make an effort to appreciate it," O'Neill shared with journalists during his formal introduction on Tuesday.

"However, the sole manner in which I can, the only way I have always approached it, is by striving to secure victories in games.

"Thus, from that perspective, I had little reluctance. I was allowed just 10 minutes to decide. So I settled it quickly. I am content with the choice."

A statement from major stakeholder Dermot Desmond exposed the depth of discord in Rodgers' ties with him.

Rodgers irritated Desmond through his outspoken views on the team's summer acquisitions and the ongoing uncertainty over his contract.

Following a 3-1 defeat to Scottish Premiership frontrunners Hearts on Sunday, the Glasgow side find themselves eight points adrift of the summit.

O'Neill, a three-time Scottish champion with Celtic, sensed an obligation to the Irish entrepreneur Desmond upon receiving his outreach.

"I recall the individual who first appointed me over 25 years ago, when frankly, many prominent figures, far more renowned than me, were vying for the position. It was a genuine privilege to lead the club," he remarked.

"They might appoint a fresh manager in a fortnight. Should we fail to triumph on Wednesday night, a replacement could arrive by Thursday!"

Ex-Celtic head Ange Postecoglou remains connected to the full-time role, even after his dismissals from Tottenham last year and Nottingham Forest this season.

Ipswich's Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen are also thought to be in contention.

"Celtic seek a youthful leader with an impressive track record," O'Neill noted.

Currently, O'Neill's attention is on Celtic's opening fixture under him, facing Falkirk at Parkhead on Wednesday.

"Should there be any applause for me, I know full well in this profession it endures roughly 15 minutes," he added.

"Ultimately, success is measured by winning."