Petrov resigned to O'Neill's departure

Celtic pair Jackie McNamara and Stilian Petrov have broken the silence surrounding the future of manager Martin O’Neill.

The Hoops boss is expected to step down from his position after the Tennent’s Scottish Cup final to take time out of the game to care for his sick wife, Geraldine.

Celtic threw away the Bank of Scotland Premier League title on Sunday when Motherwell striker Scott McDonald scored twice in the last two minutes to earn the Fir Park team a 2-1 win.

That triumph meant Nacho Novo’s single goal in the win at Hibernian was enough for Rangers to snatch the championship.

Fans’ groups have called for the club to clarify O’Neill’s position but, as a plc, the board must make any official announcement to the Stock Exchange first.

Celtic have enjoyed a glorious era under the former Leicester boss and his assistants, John Robertson and Steve Walford.

But captain McNamara concedes the only way to lift the team now is by defeating Dundee United at Hampden Park at the weekend.

McNamara said: “The whole picture has changed for us all, there is no point in denying that. To be honest, I can’t put into words how low I am at the moment. I just can’t describe my feelings, I am numb to be honest with you. I don’t know if it has even properly sunk in yet.

“Fortunately, we have a couple of days off to spend in different surroundings and, hopefully, by the middle of the week we will be ready to bounce back from what’s happened.

“Everyone has taken it very badly, as you would expect, but we can’t afford to feel sorry for ourselves because there is an absolutely massive game coming up for us now on Saturday, and one that we absolutely have to win.”

Meanwhile, Petrov admits the potential loss of O’Neill will be a massive blow for everyone concerned with the club.

Petrov said: “We have seen all the stuff in the papers. The gaffer has been great in his time with Celtic, with us and with the fans. It will be hard to see him go but everyone knows the reason.

“I hope everything goes well for him and his family but, at the end of the day, it is his decision and he knows what is best for him and his family.”

Meanwhile, Guinea international Mo Camara fears O’Neill’s departure could scupper his dream move to Celtic.

The 29-year-old is a free agent after leaving Burnley and has his heart set on joining fellow countryman Bobo Balde at Parkhead.

But he told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: “I haven’t spoken to Martin, but I believe there has been some contact between Celtic and my agent.

“Nothing will happen yet because Celtic have an important cup game coming up to concentrate on, but they are a massive club and if you are asked to join them, you take that chance.

“However, they also have an issue with their manager and that could complicate matters, so I need to wait and see what happens.”