O’Neill returns to Celtic for the rest of the season

Martin O’Neill returns to Celtic as manager for the remainder of the season following the sacking of Wilfried Nancy.

The 73-year-old made eight appearances following Brendan Rodgers’ exit in October, winning seven of them.

He made way for Nancy in early December but the Frenchman departed on Monday after an unfortunate run of just two wins from eight matches.

O’Neill told club media: “I’m very pleased, in fact, and very honored to be asked to return to manage the team again, and I’m looking forward to getting back to working with the players again.”

“I know we were all hoping things would go differently under Wilfred, and I personally want to wish him the best of luck in everything he does in the game. He’s a good guy and I’m sure he will go on and be successful again, I have no doubt about that.”

“For me, I’ve been asked to do this great job again and my focus will be on trying to get us back to winning ways if we can. We’re going to need everyone behind us.”

O’Neill, who won seven titles with Celtic from 2000-05, will again be assisted by Sean Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus.

Celtic, defending champions in 13 of their 14 seasons, currently ranks second in the Scottish Premiership, six points behind Hearts and ahead of Rangers in goals scored.

Under Nancy, they were beaten in the League Cup final by St Mirren, after O’Neill oversaw a semi-final win over Rangers.

O’Neill added: “We still have a lot to look forward to and a lot to try to achieve, and me, Sean, the coaching staff and of course the players will do everything we can to achieve all the success we can for the club.”