Martin O'Neill's commitment to the Celtic manager's role is being questioned after a controversial public appearance. The 66-year-old attended a supporters' gathering in Greenock on Monday night, an event that drew criticism following a league defeat to Falkirk the previous day.
Hugh Keevins said the manager is "a hostage to Celtic fate but incorrigible boss is keeping season on life support". The appearance was seen by some as an insult to fans concerned about the team's recent domestic form, which includes losses to Falkirk and Kilmarnock and a run of five defeats in six league games earlier in the campaign.
Recent struggles contrast with league position
Those domestic setbacks stand in stark contrast to the club's current standing. Celtic sit first in the Premiership with 31 points from 13 games, holding a four-point lead. Their most recent result was a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock, secured by a Liam Scales goal, which halted that poor run. The team's recent form over the last five matches is three wins, one draw and one loss.
European progress has also been mixed. The club was eliminated from the Champions League by LASK but has competed in the Europa League, recording a notable 3-2 victory over Besiktas earlier this month where Camilo Duran scored twice. Duran is the team's top scorer this season with seven goals.
Pressure mounts on veteran boss
O'Neill, who was hospitalised recently for a heart monitor procedure, has described his management plan as 'designed to do what it did' after the Besiktas match. The veteran boss started the night in Greenock in what was described as high dependency regarding both Celtic's season and his own credibility. He was reportedly conscripted by club officials to attend the event.
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond remains a focal point, with supporter groups having previously demanded his attendance at the club's AGM on December 1. The scrutiny on O'Neill questions where his drive is coming from at this stage of his career, even as he shows he still has the heart for the fight.
Celtic now prepare for their next fixture, a home match against St Mirren on 21 November. St Mirren are currently eighth in the table. The team has scored 28 league goals this season while conceding only ten.
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