Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney has confirmed there is no set timetable for Martin O'Neill's return to the dugout following a "small procedure" the 74-year-old underwent in hospital this week. O'Neill was discharged on Thursday, 6 August 2026, but Maloney said the manager himself will decide whether he is fit to take charge for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture at Kilmarnock.
Maloney said he visited O'Neill in person and came away encouraged by his condition.
"I went to see him last night. It was really positive. He was in good form - loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully that sort of positive feelings that he has continues."
O'Neill had been present in the dugout for Celtic's Scottish Premiership opener, a 1-0 win over Dundee on Monday, 3 August 2026, but Maloney was unable to say when his manager would next be back on the touchline.
"Even for the game at the weekend, it's sort of day-to-day. We saw him last night with regards to the preparation for the game and then he wasn't in today. I'll speak to him this afternoon and then he'll make a call for tomorrow. And then I'd imagine he'll make the call for the game at the weekend. But, if it's this weekend, great. If it isn't, then we'll prepare for it with that one."
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann has publicly wished O'Neill a speedy recovery ahead of the two sides' meeting.
Why is O'Neill's health such a major talking point?
The uncertainty follows Celtic's decision to disclose O'Neill's hospitalisation publicly earlier in the week, a step the club took "in response to speculation" about his condition, according to Sky Sports. In its statement, Celtic asked that the privacy of O'Neill and his family be respected while he recovered. The club had said it expected him to be released "in the next day or two," a timeline confirmed by his discharge on Thursday, according to .
Celtic had earlier confirmed that O'Neill remained in hospital after the small procedure, with the club anticipating his release within a couple of days at that stage.
Maloney acknowledged how significant O'Neill's presence has been to the squad since his return to the role, and admitted stepping into his shoes, even temporarily, would feel unusual.
"We'll definitely miss him if he's not there but you also have to respect what's happened the last few days. The impact that he's had over, what was it, since October, it's been nothing short of incredible really - the things that he does with the players and the staff. So we will miss him, but we'll be prepared. We've got some brilliant senior players, but we'll see, we'll let him make the call."
How did O'Neill come to be back in charge at Celtic?
O'Neill was handed a fresh one-year contract at the start of the current campaign after guiding Celtic to a league and cup double during two separate spells as caretaker manager last season. As previously reported, Celtic reappointed O'Neill on a permanent basis in June 2026 despite ongoing recruitment challenges, with his experience regarded by a cautious board as the safest option following an unsuccessful spell under Wilfried Nancy. Celtic subsequently confirmed O'Neill's backroom staff for the new season, retaining Maloney alongside Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus. O'Neill had also spoken about the lessons of a difficult previous campaign and his plans to adjust the team's style as Celtic prepared for a demanding schedule including Champions League qualifiers.
Will Celtic make any transfer moves before facing Kilmarnock?
Maloney does not anticipate any incoming transfers being finalised before Sunday's match, including a reported approach for Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan. He stressed that such decisions remain the sole responsibility of O'Neill and chief executive Michael Nicholson, and that he has not been involved in those discussions.
The former Scotland international midfielder said he was aware of interest surrounding midfielder Arne Engels and right-back Alistair Johnston, but saw no indication that either player would be unavailable for selection against Kilmarnock.
What happens next?
Celtic's trip to Rugby Park on Sunday will determine whether Maloney takes charge of the team in O'Neill's absence, according to . Celtic had said they expected O'Neill to be discharged from hospital "in the next day or two," per , and O'Neill himself will ultimately decide, on a day-by-day basis, whether he is well enough to be present in the dugout for the fixture.
Key Facts
- Martin O'Neill, 74, was discharged from hospital on Thursday, 6 August 2026, after a small procedure.
- He signed a new one-year Celtic contract after leading the club to a league and cup double last season.
- O'Neill was in the dugout for Celtic's 1-0 win over Dundee on Monday, 3 August 2026.
- Assistant Shaun Maloney could take charge for Sunday's away match against Kilmarnock if O'Neill is not fit to attend.
- Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann has wished O'Neill a speedy recovery.
