Don't worry Bhoys, I'm staying, says O'Neill

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has assured Hoops fans he will be in charge of the side next season.

The Northern Irishman, who was at Buckingham Palace today to collect an OBE for services to football, rarely goes through a close season without being linked with a move to a Premiership club.

But this summer the uncertainty surrounding his Parkhead tenure had been brought on by family concerns.

It had been feared O’Neill might opt to take a break from management because his wife Geraldine, who accompanied him to the Palace, was unwell.

But O’Neill told STV he would definitely be in the dugout at the start of the season.

He said: “Yeah, I’m afraid I’m there. Some of the fans are going to be delighted and others will be saying it is almost time to go but the news is that I shall be there.”

Another concern for the fans is an absence of summer signings, especially as goal machine Henrik Larsson has left the club.

But O’Neill urged caution. He said: “I hope that the Celtic supporters would realise that perhaps after four years that I will attempt not to let them down.

“Of course, we would like to get a few players in and that’s what I intend to do but at this minute there is hopefully no need to panic.”