Martin O’Neill set to miss Kilmarnock game after hospital procedure

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill could miss his side’s trip to Kilmarnock this weekend while he recovers from a small hospital procedure.

Following speculation, the Parkhead club confirmed on Wednesday that the 74-year-old had undergone a procedure, the nature of which has not been disclosed.

O’Neill was released from hospital on Thursday night and is now recovering at home.

Pictures from Lennoxtown on Friday showed assistant coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham taking training ahead of the Sunday trip to Ayrshire.

“I went to see him last night”, Maloney said.

Celtic Coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham took Celtic training at Lennoxtown. SNS Group

“It was really positive. He got out of the hospital last night, he was in good form. Loads better than he was on Monday and Tuesday, and yeah, hopefully positive feelings that he has continues.

“No timelines, even for the game at the weekend, it’s sort of day to day. We saw him last night regarding the prep for the game, so he wasn’t in today. I will speak to him this afternoon, and he’ll make the call for tomorrow and the game for the weekend.

“We’ll definitely miss him if he’s not there, but you also have to respect what’s happened over the last few days.

“The impact he’s had since October has been nothing short of incredible.”

O’Neill was appointed as permanent manager of Celtic on a one-year deal in June, having lead the club to a domestic double.