Martin O'Neill reveals stance on permanent Celtic job after being left astonished by phone call

Speaking to TalkSport, O’Neill recalled his reaction to the offer.

“I took a gasp of breath and asked if this was real,” he said.

“It’s difficult to turn down someone who gave you the job in the first place when they had great options 25 years ago. By the time I pulled myself off the floor, I thought maybe I should do it.”

O’Neill, who left Celtic 20 years ago after one of the most successful managerial spells in the club’s history, will lead the team on Wednesday against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.

He has appointed former Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney as his assistant.

His return follows Rodgers’ exit and a scathing statement from major shareholder Dermot Desmond, who accused the departing manager of acting in a “divisive, misleading and self-serving” manner.

Desmond’s letter rejected Rodgers’ claims about a lack of board support, insisting that he had been given full control over football operations and record funds for player recruitment.

“In reality, he was given final say over all football matters and was consistently backed in the recruitment process, including record investment in players he personally identified and approved,” the statement said.

“Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board.”

The statement concluded that “what has failed recently was not due to the club’s structure or model, but to one individual’s desire for self-preservation at the expense of others.”

Rodgers’ departure comes with Celtic eight points behind league leaders Hearts following a 3–1 defeat at Tynecastle and facing criticism over an uninspired European campaign and modest transfer activity.

O’Neill, who won three league titles, three Scottish Cups, a League Cup and guided the club to the UEFA Cup final during his first tenure, emphasised that his second spell will be short-lived.

“It’s short term,” he said.

“Celtic are probably stunned at the news Brendan left. They are obviously seeking a permanent manager, so it’s a short-term fit. Interim does mean interim. It’s as simple as that.”

He suggested that the club would look for “a young coach with proven ability” to take over permanently, while his own focus would be to stabilise the squad.

“Naturally, I had a super time at Celtic—it was a privilege,” O’Neill said.

“I can’t emphasise enough that this is short term until a permanent manager is appointed. I’ll just keep the seat warm.”

In his familiar light-hearted tone, O’Neill joked that he might call former striker Henrik Larsson for advice, adding: “I might just call Henrik and ask him if he’s been staying in the gym.”

Celtic supporters now face a period of transition as the club attempts to recover from internal turbulence and rekindle its challenge for domestic and European success under O’Neill’s experienced guidance.

Whether they can make a winning start on Wednesday remains to be seen.