Martin O'Neill, 73, provides clarity on Celtic future after Scottish League Cup win over Rangers

Yet O’Neill was quick to play down any notion that he might still be at the helm for next month’s showpiece against St Mirren, suggesting that the club hierarchy are already advancing their search for a permanent successor.

Speaking to Premier Sports in the aftermath of the win, the 73-year-old admitted he was unsure when the final would even take place.

“I don’t even know when the final is. December 14?” he said.

With a smile, he then added: “On a serious note, I would imagine, there’s a fortnight break now, next week, at the end of the next week, and I would actually think the club would probably be making inroads into getting someone in.”

The former Republic of Ireland boss watched from the touchline as Celtic survived a scare from a Rangers side reduced to ten men midway through the first half.

Thelo Aasgaard was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston, catching the full-back high on the thigh.

Despite the disadvantage, Danny Rohl’s side battled back to parity after James Tavernier converted a penalty following a handball by Ralston inside the area.

With the match locked at 1–1 after ninety minutes, Celtic’s quality and fitness finally told in extra-time.

Captain Callum McGregor restored their lead with a thunderous strike from outside the box before Callum Osmand sealed victory, turning in a Kieran Tierney cross to register his first goal for the club.

The result ensured Celtic’s passage to the final, where they will face St Mirren in pursuit of yet another domestic trophy.

For O’Neill, it was a day tinged with nostalgia and uncertainty.

The Northern Irishman, who led Celtic through one of the most successful spells in their modern history between 2000 and 2005, has returned only temporarily to steady the side during a period of transition.

His pragmatic post-match comments made clear that he expects the board to move swiftly to appoint a long-term replacement before the final is played.

Despite his modesty, the victory adds another memorable chapter to O’Neill’s storied relationship with the club.

The win over Rangers not only extended Celtic’s dominance in the rivalry but also provided a timely boost for supporters after a turbulent few weeks.

Who ends up coming in at Celtic, at the current moment in time, is unclear.

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is one boss on their radar, with Wales' Craig Bellamy also emerging as a candidate.

Former boss Ange Postecoglou, however, is unlikely to return to the dugout following his recent dismissal from Nottingham Forest.