'No reason' why Martin O'Neill should quit Celtic, says former captain Tom Boyd

Tom Boyd believes Martin O’Neill will remain as Celtic manager despite the double defeat to Rangers.

Celtic were eliminated from the Premier Sports Cup at the quarter-final stage after a 3-0 loss at Ibrox, before Sunday’s 1-0 league defeat saw their lead at the top of the table cut to just two points.

Speaking after the second straight Old Firm loss, the 74-year-old revealed he would reflect on his future as the international break halts domestic football for three weeks.

Meanwhile, when asked if he expects Martin O’Neill to remain in the dugout, former Celtic captain Boyd insists there is no reason for a managerial change this early in the season, just months after the Celtic icon led the team to a league and cup double.

“I don’t see a reason why he wouldn’t,” Boyd said. “I know he’s 74-years-old but last year he was winning a double for us. I can’t read Martin’s mind, but I don’t see at the moment why there would be any decision about that.”

Celtic signed ten players in the summer transfer window, with just two starting in the latest defeat to Rangers.

Former skipper Boyd believes the manager’s remarks post match could be in relation to how the coaching staff solve the issues the players are facing on the pitch.

He said: “That could be in terms of how the team are playing and why the team are playing. We’re trying to get better shape for them or better support to score more goals or to try to stop the opposition getting as many attempts at goal.

“It’s a team effort there, so maybe he’s thinking about that. I don’t know. Again, I can’t read his mind, so in terms of what Martin is doing, Martin is a very intelligent guy, so he’ll have a good think about things.”

Boyd made the comments at a press call for the SPFL Tennent’s Sixes, which takes place at Braehead Arena on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4.

Tickets for afternoon and evening sessions are available via spfltennentssixes.co.uk