Martin O'Neill's Hospital Stay: Celtic's Manager Expected to Return Soon

Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after what Celtic described as "a small procedure", with the club expecting their manager to be discharged within the next 48 hours.

The 74-year-old, who was only confirmed as permanent boss in the summer after steering Celtic to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season, is said to be in good spirits, with the club moving to calm speculation around his condition.

In a statement, Celtic confirmed: "In response to speculation, we can confirm that Martin O'Neill has undergone a small procedure in hospital. We would envisage Martin being released from hospital in the next day or two and on behalf of Martin, we would like to thank supporters for their kind wishes. We would ask that the privacy of Martin and his family is respected."

No further medical details have been released, and there is no indication at this stage that his short spell in hospital will affect his role in the dugout.

O'Neill was on the touchline on Monday night, overseeing Celtic’s opening league fixture of the new campaign, a tight 1-0 win over Dundee at Parkhead as the champions began the defence of their title.

That result underlined the sense of continuity around the club after last season’s double-winning surge, with O'Neill’s permanent appointment viewed as a reward for restoring Celtic’s domestic dominance.

The immediate question now is whether he will be in the technical area on Sunday, when Celtic travel to face Kilmarnock, a match scheduled to be shown live on Sky Sports. The club have not commented on his availability, choosing instead to emphasise his recovery and the need for privacy.

For now, Celtic’s support will wait, hope, and look towards Rugby Park, wondering if their manager will be back on the touchline as quickly as his club believes he will.