Martin O’Neill’s Celtic future comments questioned after international break U-turn

Danny Murphy believes Martin O’Neill may have regretted publicly questioning his Celtic future following the club’s recent run of disappointing results.

The Hoops manager sparked uncertainty before the international break after admitting he would take time to reflect on his position following three consecutive defeats, including two against Rangers.

Those comments raised questions over whether the 74-year-old would continue in the Parkhead hot seat, despite only agreeing to take charge on a permanent basis earlier this year.

However, O’Neill has since confirmed his intention to remain at Celtic and lead the club’s pursuit of another Scottish Premiership title.

And former Liverpool midfielder Murphy believes the experienced manager’s emotional reaction to those setbacks may have created unnecessary pressure.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “He wears his heart on his sleeve, he always has.

“He’s quite spicy and says what he thinks.

“And maybe sometimes you can’t hold back and you say something that with reflection you think, ‘Maybe I should’ve dealt with that differently.”