A deepening crisis at Celtic Park has intensified speculation around the future of manager Martin O’Neill, while the club’s top replacement target has reportedly ruled out a move to Glasgow.

​Celtic’s miserable run continued with a second consecutive loss to arch rivals Rangers inside a week. A second-half strike from Ryan Naderi handed Derek McInnes’ side a deserved victory, compounding the misery for the Parkhead faithful. Despite controlling over 55 percent of the ball, Celtic were blunted in attack, mustering only a solitary effort on target while conceding fifteen attempts.

​The toothless showing sparked fierce criticism from former striker Chris Sutton. Rather than laying the blame strictly at O’Neill’s door, Sutton pointed to broader systemic problems, particularly in recruitment and central midfield. He argued that the current engine room lacks running power, physical presence, and mobility, making it nearly impossible for any coaching staff to match competitive sides.

​The emotional toll of recent performances appears to be pushing O’Neill toward the exit. Reports from journalist Graham Spiers reveal that the manager is giving serious thought to walking away during the upcoming international break. Visible frustration was apparent following the derby defeat, and O’Neill plans to spend time abroad with his wife to evaluate his position.

​With a 21-day break ahead before Celtic travel to face Motherwell on October 11, the pause provides an ideal window for a managerial transition. Tension behind the scenes has steadily escalated throughout the campaign, notably fueled by Celtic’s inability to secure a suitable replacement for Arne Engels in the summer transfer market.

​Should O’Neill choose to resign, Celtic’s board faces an uphill battle to secure their favored successor. Longstanding managerial target Kieran McKenna has turned down the prospect of taking over at Parkhead. The former Ipswich Town boss has set his sights on prestigious roles within the Premier League, viewing potential vacancies at Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur as his primary goals.

​Financial obstacles also complicate any pursuit of the 40-year-old tactician. Hiring McKenna before next July requires an eight-million-pound compensation payout to Ipswich, an expense the Scottish champions are unwilling to shoulder. Celtic had hoped McKenna might remain unattached until that financial clause expired, but shifting managerial situations in England could disrupt those ambitions. With Michael Carrick enduring a dip in form at Old Trafford and Roberto De Zerbi facing scrutiny at Tottenham, prominent Premier League vacancies could materialise rapidly.

​For the moment, Celtic enter the international pause in limbo. O’Neill has granted time off to players not called up for international duty, hoping the squad can reset before returning to training. When club football resumes, the fixtures offer little breathing room. Celtic face a testing trip to Motherwell, followed swiftly by a European clash against Benfica and a league encounter with Hearts. Whether O’Neill will be in the dugout to oversee that grueling stretch remains uncertain.