Martin O’Neill has weighed in on Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic future, expressing strong confidence that Dermot Desmond will make every effort to retain the Celtic boss beyond the upcoming season.
Rodgers, who returned to the Hoops two summers ago on a three-year deal, is now entering the final year of that contract.
Rodgers has guided Celtic to four domestic trophies from a possible six during his second spell in charge, but has played down any urgency around fresh contract talks. While content with the current situation, he did confirm that early discussions with Desmond have taken place, with his long-term position at the club forming part of those conversations.
Desmond, the club’s largest shareholder, was instrumental in luring Rodgers back to Glasgow in 2023. O’Neill, who worked closely with Desmond during his own time at Celtic, says he knows from personal experience that the Irish businessman doesn’t hesitate when it comes to backing a manager he believes in.
He said: (talkSPORT), “I don’t think there will be any major rush there for that. I think what he has done up there has been terrific.
“In all honesty, if Dermot is involved, which he will be strongly, then I don’t think there is anything to worry about. I wouldn’t be too worried about the situation, at all. It depends on what Brendan wants to do. I assume Celtic will want to keep him.
“But I have had dealings with Dermot Desmond. Dermot brought me into the football club. If Dermot wants to keep him, he will go out of his way to do so. It’s really as simple as that.”
Rodgers has kept a steady line when asked about his future, making clear his full focus is on the job in front of him. Even with more attention on his contract, there’s been no sign he’s unhappy in his role.
What Celtic aim to do this season, at home and in Europe, will be shaped by how settled things are behind the scenes. Desmond’s part in that can’t be played down, especially when it comes to keeping the manager in place.
There’s no sign of anything being rushed, but both Rodgers and O’Neill have pointed to early talks being positive and relaxed. And if Desmond has made up his mind to keep Rodgers, there’s little doubt he’ll go all in to make it happen.
