Celtic

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

At the blackjack table of Scottish football, having already lost a £40m Champions League qualifying gamble, the Celtic board are now faced with a dilemma: stick or twist?

As they ramp up the search for Brendan Rodgers' successor, they're sitting with a pretty decent hand already.

Interim boss Martin O'Neill has done what was asked of him: steady the ship, stem the flow of losses, lift the squad out of their torpor.

It has worked, on the domestic front at least. Two league wins and the gold-dust of a cup semi-final defeat of Rangers.

Coming up short against the best side in the Europa League, on current standings - and on their own patch - wouldn't set off too many alarm bells, regardless of how poor Celtic were in the first half in Denmark last week.

So what to do? Keep O'Neill until at least the Premier Sports Cup final he steered the side into? Possibly keep him until the January transfer window, which would be the first opportunity for any new coach to inject fresh blood into the place?

Would the Parkhead blazers even contemplate keeping O'Neill until the end of the season, to give the permanent incomer a clean slate and summer rebuild?

It may all come down to which candidate Celtic plump for, and their availability.

Kjetil Knutsen of Bodo/Glimt has been linked with the job several times across many years. He's about to finish his season in Norway but there's the complication of Bodo's Champions League involvement to consider as well.

They wrap up the Norwegian Eliteserien at home to Fredrikstad on 30 November. They're a point off leaders Viking with two games to go.

Bodo's season doesn't end there, though. They won't be finished in Europe's elite competition until a trip to Atletico Madrid at the end of January.

Prior to that, Knutsen's men have glamour games against Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. Would the in-demand coach, having taken the side to the Champions League proper for the first time in their history, really want to forgo the chance to test himself against Pep Guardiola and co?

Should he want to see out the season in full, he wouldn't be available until February.

The other name gathering lots of chatter for the Celtic job is Thierry Henry's former assistant at Montreal, Wilfried Nancy.

The former centre-back from France's second tier has been making waves with Columbus Crew in America's MLS. His assistant Kwame Ampadu has ties with Celtic's head of football operations Paul Tisdale from their time together at Exeter City. The season has ended for Columbus, so the pair would be available immediately.

Which brings us back to stick or twist. Keep O'Neill for a few more weeks or months? Keep him until Knutsen's availability kicks in at some point? Or gamble on Nancy, whose reputation is growing but is untested in European football?

It will be fascinating to see where the chips fall.

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Luke McCowan is relishing playing for Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill.

The midfielder, 27, featured in Sunday's 4-0 Scottish Premiership win over Kilmarnock, having missed out on Celtic's previous two fixtures.

"I mean, it's Martin O'Neill at the end of the day," said McCowan. "He's got that aura and brings that motivating factor of what it means to play for this club, as did the previous manager as well.

"He just brings that different kind of speech before a game and just puts full belief in everybody that's in a squad and is really, really forward to everybody as well. He just tells you how it is.

"The guys know in the dressing room that they are all valued and we need to use that because the season's long and, as you're seeing, left, right and centre, we're getting injuries everywhere, and it's about squad players coming up and stepping up when they can."

O'Neill returned to Celtic 20 years on from the end of his five-year managerial spell, during which time the club won seven domestic honours and reached the 2003 Uefa Cup final. Shaun Maloney, who is assisting O'Neill, was an extra-time substitute as Celtic lost 3-2 to Porto in Seville.

"When he came in, all I could think about was the Uefa Cup final, what did he say in the dressing room? And lucky enough, I could just ask Shaun," McCowan explained.

"It's been amazing. We know the positive performances come from us first. The attitude comes from us, the mentality comes from us. So we just need to keep pushing that.

"I'm sure if we do, we'll keep charging on and hopefully get more positive results like Sunday."

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Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy is on the Celtic managerial shortlist, along with Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen and Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town. (Sky Sports), external

Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond will hold talks with Martin O'Neill this week as the club ponder extending the 73-year-old's interim period in charge of the team. (Sky Sports), external

Liverpool and Scotland left-back Andy Robertson, 31, will leave Anfield when his contract expires next summer and has already held talks with Celtic. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is being courted by Saudi Pro League clubs. (Daily Record), external

Celtic coach Mark Fotheringham is mentioned in connection with the managerial vacancy at Norwich City. (Scottish Sun), external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Celtic swept to a dominant 4-0 Premiership victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday, narrowing the gap to league leaders Hearts as a result.

Kieran Tierney and Johnny Kenny both got on the scoresheet and earn spots in my team of the week.

Tierney has struggled for form since returning to Celtic and it was clear to see how much it meant to him to be back somewhere near to his best.

Kenny looks sharp as a tack right now, and has four goals in his past four games.

Scoring his first goal since his return to Celtic was a big, emotional moment for Kieran Tierney on Sunday, but former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart believes the "psychological scars" of so many injury problems will take a while longer to heal.

The Scotland defender, who fired his side's second goal in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock after coming on as a substitute, is back at Celtic after his injuries contributed to a lack of game time and release by Arsenal.

"You want to see a player of that talent and ability come back to the fore," Stewart told BBC Scotland's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It's not going to be easy, though, because the psychological scars that Kieran Tierney has sort of amassed over the last number of years, it doesn't shift or leave them quickly.

"When you're younger, there's almost a carefree attitude - I've got a knock, doesn't matter, I'll just batter through.

"The older you get, it's amazing how it can affect your drive slightly, especially when you've had moments like this where he'll be feeling a little bit uncertain about his ability to be able to physically do what he needs to do. It can take the edge off."

Stewart hopes the feeling of "belonging" induced by being back at his boyhood club will help Tierney and that it might take a season of playing less than 90 minutes or sitting out some matches before he returns to his best.

"But, even if he's able to get back to close to those levels, the guy's a world-class player," he said. "But, at the moment, it is definitely a work in progress for him to try and get back to those levels."

Former Scotland striker Billy Dodds pointed out that "he's got a few years left of him" at just 28.

"He doesn't want to push himself too much till he gets himself conditioned mentally," he added. "For him to go, I feel great, I want to get through it now, I can play two, three games in the trot.

"I don't think he's quite there yet, but if you do get it right, and Celtic can get him tip-top condition-wise, fitness-wise, and he can get himself so positive, Kieran Tierney is a star, he's proven it."

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Celtic forward Johnny Kenny and Hibernian midfielder Jamie McGrath have been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary.

McGrath, 29, could add to his 13 caps while under-21 cap Kenny, 22, could make his senior international debut.

Both players featured in weekend Scottish Premiership wins, with McGrath assisting Josh Mulligan's opener in Hibs' 3-0 Saturday win away to St Mirren and Kenny opening the scoring for Celtic as they defeated visitors Kilmarnock 4-0 on Sunday - a fifth goal in 11 appearances this season. McGrath also has five goals this term.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's Republic of Ireland are third in World Cup Qualifying Group F, a point behind Hungary and a point in front of Armenia.

Portugal, who visit Dublin on Thursday, are five points clear at the top. Hungary host Hallgrimsson's side in Sunday's final round of group fixtures.

Roma forward Evan Ferguson will miss the Portugal game but could be fit in time for the match in Budapest. Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes has been ruled out injured.

We asked for your thoughts after Celtic beat Kilmarnock 4-0 on Sunday.

Here's what some of you said:

Peter: Three points is all that matters. Another step towards regaining top spot in the league. Europe is irrelevant now. We must restore domestic dominance. Play youth players in Europe to protect our diminishing first team squad.

Denis: Decent result against a team that can give us problems. With all the injuries it's good to see the players step up once more.

Adam: Another great performance, another great result and another three points. In form we are the best team in the country by far and that gap to the top is going to keep on closing if we keep playing like we are. Just need to hope that if we get in a new permanent manager, then he keeps the team playing like they are.

Kev: Celtic could lose Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho to the African Nations' Cup in December and January. If Daizen Maeda and Yang Hyun-Jun move on, as expected, in January, only Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada will be available. The injury list at Parkhead is of great concern. What's causing these injuries?

Steven: Martin O'Neill's march continued against a poor Kille team not offering much. Things will get much tougher for Celtic in games to come but good to see O'Neill has restored confidence to our players with Maeda and Kieran Tierney looking restored.

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Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand are preparing for hamstring surgery that will keep the Celtic pair sidelined "for a long time", interim manager Martin O'Neill has revealed.

And it was also a hamstring injury that forced team-mate Marcelo Saracchi to be substituted during the first half of Sunday's 4-0 win over Kilmarnock.

When asked about left-back Saracchi, O'Neill said: "He's done his hamstring. He's going to be out.

"And the other two lads, Johnston and Osmand, are getting surgery on Tuesday. So they're going to be out for a long time."

Summer forward signing Osmand was carried off on a stretcher during Thursday's defeat by Midtjylland and Canada right-back Johnston suffered a relapse last month against Sturm Graz as he made a comeback from the injury he first suffered in August.

O'Neill said of Johnston: "They had to wait a little while just to get a clear picture of the hamstring and the scan has shown a tear as well.

"So that's really sad because everybody says he's a really, really good player."

Watch highlights from Celtic's 4-0 win against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

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Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen has suggested "nothing is certain" over his future as he nears the end of his contract with his side having one game left to retain the Norwegian title and, when asked about being linked with the Celtic job, says he would only leave for "something that is more exciting than Glimt". (TV2), external

Martin O'Neill says he was not at St Mirren's match against Hibernian on Saturday, Celtic's next two opponents, in expectation of being interim manager for those games but because of due diligence in case the search for a permanent team boss drags on. (The Scotsman), external

Interim boss Martin O'Neill does not know if he would continue as Celtic manager after the international break if asked but expects to be informed by Sunday what the board has decided about the role long term. (Daily Record), external

According to reports in his homeland, Celtic have made an enquiry about signing Morocco Under-20s captain Houssam Essadak and have asked UTS Rabat to name a price for the 20-year-old defensive midfielder who pulled out of a £400,000 transfer to Las Palmas this summer and was also linked with Sunderland. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Celtic narrowed the gap to Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership to seven points with a deserved home win over struggling Kilmarnock.

Read the match report

Have your say

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Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill told BBC Scotland: "Delighted to have won, great to score an early goal - it settled things after Thursday night. There were some parts of the performance I was absolutely delighted with.

"I was very concerned about the game before, but that's typical me - I'm always concerned about matches beforehand. There were very good bits, we defended strongly.

"I'm pleased to win, pleased for Kieran [Tierney] to score a goal. There were moments there were you thought 'that's the old player he was at one stage'. Injuries have hit him badly, but he's fighting back.

"I keep saying to Johnny [Kenny], centre forward is the hardest outfield place to play. He is improving. Sometimes it's very difficult for a centre forward to play up there on your own when you've got two wide men. He's really doing fine.

"I'm delighted we've won, and you do need help when you're chasing someone, but there's a long way to go.

"I'll take a little time in the international break, most of our players will be away, and there will be time of inner reflection. It's been a whirlwind of a fortnight, I can't believe it's really happened.

"It's been the most surreal fortnight. Without doubt [I need to lie down in a darkened room].

"I genuinely don't know [if I'll be back in two weeks]. If the board make up their mind, it's absolutely fine by me."

Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen, whose contract ends at the turn of the year, is keen to take the vacant Celtic job but wants to see out first the Norwegian side's Champions League campaign, which could stretch into January or beyond. (Graeme Bailey on X), external

Former Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane is happy to be linked with the Celtic job because it means he is doing something right in charge of Ferencvaros. (The Herald On Sunday), external

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas says reports linking Pumas UNAM head coach Efrain Juarez with Celtic simply shows that they have a quality team boss in charge. (AS Mexico), external

Bookmakers suggest it is a straight shoot-out between Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen or Columbus Crew's Wilfried Nancy to be the next Celtic manager. (Scottish Sun On Sunday), external

Celtic are planning a £500,000 move for 33-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in January. (Star On Sunday, print edition)

Andy Robertson could move to Celtic as early as January, with the Scotland captain open to a pre-contract agreement with his boyhood club, but a one-year extension with Liverpool also remains an option for the 31-year-old left-back. (TeamTalk), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Celtic have lost Callum Osmand to a hamstring injury and Arne Engels is a doubt with a less serious issue.

The champions remain without Alistair Johnston and Kelechi Iheanacho with similar injuries, while Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles) and Jota (knee) are long-term absentees.

Forward Marley Watkins is closing on a return for Kilmarnock after his foot injury, but is unlikely to feature while Matty Kennedy and Djenairo Daniels remain out.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Liam Scales says Celtic must grab the "opportunity to put things right" when they face Kilmarnock on Sunday after admitting the performance against Midtjylland "wasn't good enough".

The Danes made it four wins from four in the Europa League and impressed with a performance full of intent as they dismantled Celtic in the opening 45 minutes.

The defender said it was a "difficult night" for the team in Denmark as Martin O'Neill's side lost 3-1.

"We want to win every game," the centre-back said. "We know that was not good enough, losing like that. The game was over when the three goals went in.

"We could have avoided that. We could have been stronger after the first. The second half would have been a different game.

"Physically, it could have been the best physical side I think I've played against ever.

"They were really strong, really aggressive all over the pitch. A good side, really well organised, really physical. They're top of the Europa League for a reason."

Celtic now return to Scottish Premiership duty, when the Ayrshire side visit Glasgow on Sunday.

Interim team O'Neill and Shaun Maloney will once again be in the dugout, with Scales insisting the managerial situation is not affecting the squad.

"We know we just have to deal with it as it comes," said the Republic of Ireland international.

"Things chop and change in football all the time, so we're used to it.

"It's been nice to work with Martin and the lads. They've all been really good. Shaun's a top coach and the lads they've brought in. It's been good."

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• Celtic have won their past six meetings with Kilmarnock in all competitions, last winning more in a row in April 2015 (8).

• Kilmarnock have only won one of their past 86 away games against Celtic in all competitions (D18 L67), going winless in their last 21 (D4 L17) since a 2-0 league triumph in October 2012 under Kenny Shiels.

• Since the start of last season, Celtic have kept 17 clean sheets in 24 home league games, conceding just 11 goals. The Parkhead club have kept four shutouts in their five home league matches this campaign.

• Kilmarnock have lost their past four league games, their longest losing run in the Scottish Premiership since February 2021, when they suffered eight successive defeats.

• Benjamin Nygren has scored (5) or assisted (2) 44% of Celtic's league goals this season (7/16); only Cameron Congreve of Dundee has been directly involved in a higher proportion of a side's Scottish Premiership goals (56% - 5/9).

Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen, who has led the Norwegian club since 2018, has surged past Martin O'Neill to be the favourite to become permanent Celtic boss. (The Scotsman)

O'Neill says he will "go back to drinking coffee, which is rather expensive in London" if his tenure at Celtic ended on Monday. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Saturday's gossip.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill has been talking to the media before his side's Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Here are the best bits from his news conference:

• Callum Osmand has gone for a scan on the hamstring injury he sustained in Thursday's defeat by Midtjylland, but O'Neill says it "doesn't look good".

• Fellow striker Kelechi Iheanacho is not in contention for Sunday's match and will be absent for another couple of weeks.

• O'Neill stresses Midtjylland are a very strong team, but says the defeat is evidence of how far Celtic are behind where they want to be.

• He says he is not aware of any update regarding the appointment of a new manager.

• O'Neill dismissed Chris Sutton's comments that poor results during this interim spell could damage his legacy at Celtic.

• He adds: "I've honestly no concern about a legacy, never have had. It genuinely doesn't worry me one jot, never has done. When you're dead, you're dead."

• The Northern Irishman thinks he will probably look back on this interim spell with disbelief in a year's time, but says if nothing else, he will always have the victory over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.

• If there was to be a new manager in place on Monday, that would be "fine" by O'Neill.