Martin O'Neill is set to continue as Celtic manager after holding talks with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. The 74-year-old will return to the front line at Lennoxtown following a short period of rest after a turbulent run of results.

Keith Jackson said, "Dermot Desmond set Celtic crisis ablaze and Martin O'Neill is now at the centre of absurd irony." The discussions come with Celtic top of the Premiership on 18 points but having lost their last three matches. Those defeats included a 1-0 home loss to Rangers last Sunday and a 3-1 Europa League reverse against Ferencvaros.

Recent struggles prompt reflection

O'Neill sought time for rest and rehabilitation after that difficult sequence. Jackson noted, "It’s not as if the answers were staring him the face ahead of that derby double header and the Europa League defeat from Ferencvaros." The manager had turned his Lennoxtown headquarters upside down over the three games, making tactical and personnel changes, but could not find a solution.

The recent 0-1 defeat to Rangers at Parkhead, with Ryan Naderi scoring the only goal in the 33rd minute, was a particular low point. It followed a 3-0 loss at Ibrox just days earlier. Despite this, the club's league position remains strong, holding a two-point lead over their city rivals.

Desmond's role and fan sentiment

Desmond, the club's principal shareholder, has been a central figure. He is seen by some as having ignited the recent crisis, with O'Neill now placed in a complex position. There is growing criticism from a section of the support who believe the manager is protecting Desmond and the board rather than the fans' interests. This has led to a perception in some quarters that O'Neill could be viewed as a willing co-conspirator.

O'Neill, who first managed Celtic 22 years ago, returned for a third spell to stabilise performances and protect the club's title last season. He was initially asked to clean up after the departure of Brendan Rodgers, who had questioned the club's ambition, and again following Wilfried Nancy's tenure. His return from a period of self-reflection was meant to steady the ship, but recent results have increased pressure.

The club also released its latest financial results amidst a transfer window described by critics as featuring scattergun recruitment. With key players like Jota currently sidelined, managing the squad effectively will be key for O'Neill's continued tenure. The team's next challenge is a trip to face Motherwell, who sit 9th, on October 11. Check the upcoming fixtures for the full schedule. O'Neill's final tour of duty now aims for a turnaround, with the hope of a positive conclusion to his storied association with the club.

Read the full report at Daily Record Football