Keith Wyness thinks Martin O'Neill wants to stay as Celtic manager after what he heard from him

Martin O’Neill could remain as Celtic manager next season if he decides he wants to stay in management.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness, talking exclusively to Football Insider, as O’Neill could lead Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title.

The 74-year-old has made a huge impact at Celtic Park in two spells as interim boss this season, with their hopes of winning the league title still alive thanks to his time in the dugout.

It is currently expected that O’Neill will stand down at the end of the campaign, where he could also win the Scottish Cup if the Hoops beat Dunfermline at Hampden Park.

Celtic need to make a decision on their next permanent manager as soon as possible when the season finishes, with a rebuild of their squad expected to happen this summer.

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Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states that O’Neill may want to go out on a high with a possible league and cup double.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes O’Neill will be given the choice whether he stays or leaves Celtic when the season ends.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I heard O’Neill the other day, and there is a glimmer in his voice that he’s just enjoying this so much right now.

“I think it’s taken 20 years off his age, and he is thinking about the possibility of next season. Although I’m sure his family and his wife will be saying, no, Martin, you’ve done enough, and he’ll be thinking, should I go out at the top?

“He’s seen the whole Wilfred Nancy episode happen this season. What a huge mistake that was. The Celtic fans will never forget that.

“I certainly will never forget what a huge mistake that was to put Wilfred Nancy in at the time Celtic did, when Martin was still doing well with the club. So he’ll have the choice.”

A number of managers have been linked with moving to Celtic this summer, as the Glasgow club are not expected to be short of options.

The hierarchy will have to be ambitious in their search to quell fan pressure, which has eased recently thanks to O’Neill.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic could now target Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna to become their next manager.

McKenna has just guided Ipswich to promotion back to the Premier League, and the 39-year-old could need convincing, and given assurances around backing in the transfer market, to leave the Tractor Boys for another job.