O'Neill set to step down

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is today expected to announce he will leave the club after Saturday’s Scottish Cup final to care for his wife Geraldine, who is ill.

O’Neill’s future has been the subject the speculation in recent weeks, particularly since his side lost the league title in the final minutes of the season on Sunday.

Needing to beat Motherwell to retain the championship, the Hoops allowed a 1-0 lead to slip with Scott McDonald netting twice in the last two minutes.

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 captain Jackie McNamara will not relish the departure of O’Neill after a heartbreaking end to his testimonial season.

The Hoops have enjoyed a glorious era under former Leicester boss O’Neill 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.”