Martin O'Neill has made a dramatic comeback to Celtic as interim manager, disclosing that he was given merely ten minutes to accept the position following a surprise telephone call from major shareholder Dermot Desmond.
The 73-year-old Northern Irishman expressed "nervous excitement" about his unexpected return to Parkhead after a 20-year absence.
"I got a call late afternoon, early evening from Dermot Desmond. He said Brendan had resigned," O'Neill revealed.
"I was asked if I'd come in and hold proceedings until they found a permanent manager. I had 10 minutes to make up my mind, which I did."
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The appointment came less than 24 hours before his first match in charge.
The veteran manager was strolling along King's Road in London when the unexpected call arrived on Monday evening.
Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney have been brought in to replace Brendan Rodgers
|PA
O'Neill admitted feeling taken aback by the timing, having assumed any managerial changes would wait until season's end.
"This is a role where they're looking for a permanent manager. At this minute, I've been called in to do the job," he stated, emphasising his temporary status.
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Martin O'Neill admitted he was only given 10 minutes to make his mind up on the Celtic job
|PA
The whirlwind appointment followed Brendan Rodgers' abrupt departure from the club. O'Neill acknowledged the stunning nature of the past day's events, describing the situation as "quite surreal" whilst maintaining his focus on immediate duties.
He confirmed having no involvement in selecting the permanent successor.
O'Neill will collaborate closely with Shaun Maloney, who has already been working at Celtic in a player pathway capacity.
The former Hoops midfielder took charge of training following Rodgers' exit and will serve as O'Neill's assistant.
"I'll rely heavily on Maloney in the coming games as he knows the players far better," O'Neill acknowledged, highlighting his deputy's crucial role.
Maloney described accepting the position as "really easy" due to his relationship with O'Neill, saying "because of what he's done for me and my family."
The duo's first test arrives immediately with Wednesday evening's home fixture against Falkirk.
Brendan Rodgers quit Celtic on Monday after disagreements with the club's hierarchy | GETTYBoth men stressed their complete focus on this match, with O'Neill insisting he "cannot possibly think" about Sunday's Old Firm semi-final yet.
O'Neill expressed deep regret about the deteriorating relationship between Celtic's board and Rodgers, who he praised for performing "terrifically well" during both tenures at the club.
"It is really sad to see that," he admitted, whilst acknowledging his limited knowledge of the circumstances.
The interim manager addressed his Monday comments suggesting Hearts could claim the title, standing by his assessment despite the timing.
"If I'd known I was going to get the job, I wouldn't have said anything," he joked.
Dermot Desmond issued a blistering parting statement aimed squarely at Brendan Rodgers, accusing the departing Celtic manager of betraying his trust and creating “a toxic atmosphere” inside the club
| Dermot Desmond has issued a blistering parting statement aimed squarely at Brendan Rodgers, accusing the departing Celtic manager of betraying his trust and creating “a toxic atmosphere” inside the clubMaloney emphasised the importance of senior figures like Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and Alistair Johnston during this transitional period.
He noted Cameron Carter-Vickers underwent surgery yesterday, temporarily removing another experienced presence from the squad.