Caretaker manager Martin O’Neill still expects to be at Celtic on a short-term basis but will be open to talks about an extended stay after guiding the holders to the Scottish League Cup final.
O’Neill and Sean Maloney enjoyed a 3-1 extra-time win over ten-man Rangers at Hampden Park, following their midweek victory over Falkirk after being installed as Brendan Rodgers’ interim successors.
Extra-time goals from Callum McGregor and Callum Osmond set Celtic up for the final against St Mirren on December 14.
Callum McGregor put Celtic ahead in extra time
Asked if he could still be in charge then, O’Neill said: “I had no indication, really no indication at this point. Not at all.”
“And I would have thought with Midtjylland now on Thursday night (Europa League) and then Kilmarnock on Sunday, I would have thought there was probably time for them, with the international break, for the board to think about something.”
When asked if he would like to manage Celtic again at Hampden next month, the 73-year-old said: “Well, secretly, I would love to.
“Look, we’re in the results business and all these things can change. I was actually at the Mittyland game against Nottingham Forest, where they were too strong for them, really, and that was at the City Ground. And then we’ve got the Kilmarnock game on Sunday.
“So, honestly, these games are all about the results and that will determine whether the board might think about taking time out. If we had been beaten today, I might not have seen Thursday.”
Martin O’Neill won his first Old Firm game in charge of Celtic in over 20 years
Asked if he would be open to talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond, who offered him an interim role on Monday, O’Neill said: “The very obvious answer would be yes, I would. But I really don’t know what to expect.”
“When I saw the games they had and then the national team, I thought they would have a few weeks to think about it.
“I haven’t even spoken to him since. In a perverse way, I enjoyed two games – but not much.”
Callum Osmond scored Celtic’s third goal in the win over Rangers
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m delighted to win the game, absolutely delighted. It was a really strange feeling to be in the Hampden dressing room, really strange, but it was nice to win.
“If it was the other way around, it would be really painful.”
When asked if he would be prepared to stay on a permanent basis, the former Republic of Ireland boss said: “Well, I don’t think there will be that conversation. I honestly don’t think that will be the case.
“I went in, deep down, I probably enjoyed it a little better than I’m telling you, but not much. So it was really weird.”
“I’ve had massive help from my backroom staff, (Sean) Maloney and Mark Fotheringham and Stephen (McManus). All three I’ve managed at one stage or another. God almighty, they’re standing next to me in the coaching ranks now.”
“Well, yeah, it was great. It’s a great feeling in the locker room when you win a game like that.”
Ralston praises ‘brilliant’ O’Neill
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Celtic defender Anthony Ralston gives his reaction after being shown a red card by Telo Asgor
Celtic defender Anthony Ralston praised O’Neill’s influence and was impressed by the Northern Irishman during his short time on the hot seat.
The Scotland defender said: “He’s been to this game many times, and it was great to have his knowledge, along with the rest of the coaching staff, who were also at the game.
“It also helps that there were a few guys in the locker room and on the field who also had a lot of experience going into this match.”
“So we were very calm, we were focused, we knew the job we had to do and I felt it to a man, we delivered today, which was great.”
“He (O’Neill) is great, he’s funny.
“He let us know he’s been in the game for a long time in a spirited away performance and he was great to give us that experience in that confidence to go out and play our football and to believe.”
“And I think it shows in the performances.
Meanwhile, Ralston believed Thelo Aasgaard gambled and lost in the match that saw the Rangers midfielder sent off in Celtic’s win over Old Firm rivals.
He said: “You put yourself at risk when you go high and go in with force.
“So the boy took a risk and it didn’t work out.”
“It was a game changer and I felt we used it well.”