O'Neill commits to Celtic future after three-game losing run prompts soul-searching

Martin O’Neill has declared himself fully committed to Celtic after a short but serious reflection on his future, ending uncertainty that had built during a damaging run of three straight defeats.

The 74-year-old had publicly acknowledged before the international break that he would take time to think and speak with the board, following back-to-back losses to Rangers either side of a Europa League defeat against Ferencvaros. Speaking to Celtic Player, O’Neill left no doubt about his intentions: “I want to lead the club, I want to try and win the league, which is what we set out to do, and just as determined now as ever before.”

O’Neill was candid about the process, admitting the reflection did not take long. “It was a time of reflection for a moment or two and, yes, some things that you think about. But overall, I’m back, I’m raring to go and the team’s ready,” he said.

The manager also turned the lens on himself rather than his players, drawing on lessons from his long career in management. “I think I look to myself, first of all,” he said. “If you feel as if something has dropped away, of course you have to analyse it.” He pointed to a near-equaliser in the first Rangers defeat as a moment that could have changed the complexion of the run entirely, though he acknowledged the results had to be accepted and learned from.

Celtic face Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday as O’Neill looks to arrest the slide and refocus his side’s title challenge.

On the injury front, there were cautious signs of progress. Portuguese winger Jota played 45 minutes in a training-ground friendly against Falkirk on Friday as he continues his comeback from 18 months out with a knee injury. Defenders Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand have also returned to training after hamstring problems. O’Neill added he would assess South Korea winger Yang Hyun-jun, who picked up a hamstring issue on international duty, ahead of the weekend fixture.