Celtic manager Martin O’Neill out of hospital and in 'good form'

MARTIN ON THE MEND: Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is out of hospital and in “good form”.

Shaun Maloney revealed that Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is out of hospital and in “good form”.

The Parkhead club announced on Wednesday that the 74-year-old Northern Irishman had undergone a “small procedure”.

O’Neill’s assistant Maloney gave an upbeat prognosis ahead of Sunday’s William Hill Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park although it is not yet certain if the Hoops boss will be in the dugout.

Maloney said: “I went to see him last night. He got out of hospital yesterday. He was in good form last night, loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully those sort of positive feelings continue.

“No timeline. So even for the game at the weekend, it’s sort of day-to-day.

“We saw him last night, with regards to the preparation for the game and so he wasn’t in today.

“I’ll speak to him this afternoon and then he’ll make a call for tomorrow and then I’d imagine he’ll make the call for the game at the weekend.

“If it’s this weekend, great, if it isn’t, we’ll prepare for it without him.”

O’Neill, who had a successful period as Celtic boss between 2000 and 2005, signed a one-year deal in June to become permanent manager again after two interim spells last season ended in a William Hill Premiership title and Scottish Gas Scottish Cup double.

Maloney, who confirmed that Portuguese winger Jota was back in training after recovering from an ACL injury that has kept him out since April 2025, contemplated the possibility of O’Neill missing the trip to Ayrshire.

He said: “We’ll definitely miss him if he’s not there but you also have to respect what’s happened in the last few days.

“The impact that he’s had since October been nothing short of incredible, the things that he does with the players and the staff, so we will miss him but we’ll be prepared. We’ll let him make the call.” Celtic are reportedly interested in bringing in Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, having put in an initial offer of around £6million, with add-ons taking the deal closer to £10 million.

“Not too sure,” said former Celtic striker Maloney. “The way the processes around the club this summer (have worked), it’s generally been always Martin and Michael Nicholson (chief executive officer).

“I don’t see anything changing in the squad for this weekend. I know you guys saw Jota training but apart from him being unavailable, everyone else is fit.

“Transfers, no, I don’t see anything changing. I don’t see any ins or anything like that for this weekend and all the rest has generally been for Martin and Michael.

“I think over the next couple of days if anything changes, or they ask some of us to have a bit more responsibility, we’re absolutely ready to do that but at the minute, Martin is still all over that.” On Jota’s long-awaited return, Maloney said: “It’s really positive for us. We’re all excited to get him back. Today was the first day, he had a full session in terms of doing every drill, but some of that was unopposed so he’s still not in full contact.

“So it’s still a matter of weeks. He’s still a bit to go but it is really positive.”