Sources: Celtic close to sacking Martin O'Neill in new twist

Celtic face mounting pressure on manager Martin O'Neill after winning just four of their last 11 games; the club will reassess his future if they lose top spot in the Scottish Premiership.

Martin O'Neill's position at Celtic is under increasing scrutiny following a poor run of form that has seen the Hoops win just four of their last 11 games in all competitions, with six defeats in that stretch. Despite a 3-2 Europa League victory against Besiktas and a 7-1 win over Hearts earlier in the campaign, inconsistency remains a major concern at Parkhead.

Celtic currently sit top of the Scottish Premiership by four points, though they have played an extra game compared to their rivals. A recent draw with Dundee United and defeat to Falkirk represented missed opportunities to extend their lead, with the Falkirk loss particularly damaging as a win would have sent them seven points clear.

Club sources indicate that if Celtic drop from the top of the league, the pressure on the 74-year-old manager will intensify and could force a sacking decision. However, many believe O'Neill will instead depart when his contract expires at the end of the season. The club is already drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements and eyeing a summer managerial change.