After a tumultuous start to the season, in which Celtic lost in the play-off round of Champions League qualification and came up short in two defeats against Rangers, Martin O’Neill managed to get back on track against Motherwell on Sunday.
The Hoops ran out 2-0 winners at Fir Park to remain top of the Scottish Premiership table, but the Gers remain just two points adrift, after securing a 3-1 victory against Kilmarnock at Ibrox.
Chris Sutton was left particularly impressed by his former club’s performance, saying: “As comfortable as I’ve seen a Celtic team at Motherwell. Dominated from minute one. Outstanding performance but not ruthless enough in front of goal. Baur superb, Great to see Jota back after his long layoff.”
|
Match statistics |
Motherwell |
Celtic |
|
xG |
1.05 |
2.85 |
|
Shots |
8 |
25 |
|
Shots on target |
2 |
15 |
|
Big chances |
3 |
2 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
20 |
63 |
As such, O’Neill will be hoping his side have turned the corner after a difficult period, in which there has been plenty of speculation surrounding his future at Parkhead.
Even if the Irishman manages to win another league title, this season may be his last in the hot seat, considering he is 74-year-old and only signed a one-year deal at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
With O’Neill’s long-term future at Glasgow in doubt, the Hoops have been eyeing up potential replacements, and they are considering a move for a Premier League manager.
Celtic on alert to hire David Moyes
According to journalist Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport), Celtic are now on alert to hire Everton manager David Moyes as a replacement for O’Neill, as he is almost certain to leave the Toffees when the club is sold to new owners.
Moyes’ current contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, and the new owners may want to bring in their own manager, which could pave the way for the Scot to complete a move to Parkhead.
The ex-West Ham United boss will be available without the Hoops having to pay any compensation, which is an added bonus, and he is vastly experienced, winning three trophies during a managerial career that started at Preston North End back in 1998.
The 63-year-old’s most recent major triumph came in the UEFA Conference League, with West Ham winning the competition for the first time in 2023, and he has since gone on to receive praise from scout Tom Long for the job he’s done at Everton.
Moyes, who came through Celtic’s youth system as a player, has managed 760 matches in the Premier League, and his vast experience means he could be well-placed to take the reins from O’Neill.
