CELTIC BOSS O'NEILL DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL AFTER PROCEDURE

Martin O'Neill has been discharged from hospital following a minor procedure, Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney confirmed. O'Neill, who is 74, underwent the procedure and spent time as an inpatient before his release on Thursday. Maloney stated there is "no timeline" for O'Neill's return to active duties and that the manager will decide on his own involvement in upcoming matches. O'Neill was in the dugout for Celtic's opening Scottish Premiership match on Monday, a 1-0 win over Dundee.

Maloney visited O'Neill after his discharge and reported finding him in improved condition compared to earlier in the week. The assistant manager said O'Neill's wellbeing has improved significantly since Monday and Tuesday. Maloney will speak with O'Neill daily to assess his readiness for Celtic's fixture at Kilmarnock on Sunday, with the decision to be made closer to match day. O'Neill signed a one-year contract at the start of the season after leading Celtic to a Scottish league and cup Double in his previous spells as caretaker manager.

Maloney acknowledged it would be unusual for him to take charge at Rugby Park if O'Neill is not available. He stated the manager's impact on the squad and staff since October has been "nothing short of incredible". Maloney expressed confidence that Celtic's senior players are prepared to perform if O'Neill is absent. The club has also been linked with potential transfer activity, including reported interest in Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan of Oviedo, though Maloney indicated no new signings were expected before the Kilmarnock match.