Martin O'Neill is a hostage to Celtic fate but incorrigible boss is keeping season on life support

O'Neill's fortitude on display in Europa League win over Besiktas offers respite, but columnist questions why the Celtic manager continues at his age amid domestic struggles.

Hugh Keevins reflects on Martin O'Neill's resilience as Celtic manager, drawing parallels between his own health monitoring and O'Neill's fight to keep the club's season alive. After a difficult period marked by defeats to Benfica and Falkirk, O'Neill led Celtic to victory against Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday night, demonstrating the determination that has defined his managerial career.

Keevins questions why O'Neill, now in his mid-60s, continues to subject himself to the pressures of managing Celtic, particularly after being hospitalised earlier in the season and enduring two Old Firm defeats in eight days. He criticises the club's hierarchy, particularly principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, for failing to provide adequate support to a manager whose name is woven into Celtic's history.

With a crucial home match against Kilmarnock looming, Keevins warns that further league points dropped at Celtic Park would constitute an emergency. He argues Celtic have only themselves to blame for the current crisis, with no external conspiracy—merely institutional neglect of a manager left to fend for himself amid mounting pressure.