Celtic

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

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A major rebuild beckons at double winners Celtic this summer.

The Scottish Cup victory over Dunfermline last weekend completed a remarkable recovery under Martin O'Neill in a chaotic campaign.

Time for basking in the glory is limited, though, with a permanent manager yet to be appointed and the squad requiring serious surgery.

How many players could depart? For starters, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel's Celtic days - and possibly his professional career - are over because of a serious shoulder injury.

And loan players Marcelo Saracchi, Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Benjamin Arthur, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka all return to their parent clubs.

Of that sextet, only left-back Sarachhi - a more than able debut for Kieran Tierney - looks a viable option for a permanent deal, although his loan agreement from Boca Juniors did not include an option to buy so Celtic would have to negotiate a move.

Also out of contract are short-term midfield signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who struggled for minutes, and Kelechi Iheanacho. The latter scored nine goals in 24 outings despite fitness issues and, at 29, could still be a useful player to keep around. Might Celtic offer Iheanacho another year?

Key players also look poised to exit. Japan forward Daizen Maeda, with a year left on his contract, is expected to leave after previously having a move blocked, while compatriot Reo Hatate has dropped out of form and favour, making a departure look likely while Paulo Bernardo also faces an uncertain future.

Fellow midfielder Arne Engels was subject of three bids - the latest reaching £25m - from Nottingham Forest in January and they could renew attempts to land the Belgium international.

Then there's the, er, deadwood, players still under contract but so far out of the reckoning it appears Celtic would gladly cut their losses. This category includes Michel-Ange Balikwisha - who only arrived last year and has a deal until 2030 - as well as the likes of Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm (remember him?) and Shin Yamada.

So the list of departures this summer could easily reach double figures. It should also provide funds and virtually a blank canvas for the new manager - be it O'Neill, Robbie Keane or someone else - to mould a squad as Celtic strive for domestic success and Champions League qualification next term.

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Celtic have resurrected their January interest in Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh and Go Ahead Eagles winger Jakob Breum, while they have also enquired about the Dutch club's goalkeeper Jari De Busser (The Herald - subscription required), external

Shaun Maloney is under serious consideration for a sporting director role at Celtic, with the club's former midfielder serving as assistant to interim head coach Martin O'Neill. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara says he would be "all for it" if his old boss, Martin O'Neill, stayed on for another season with the Scottish champions.

At 74, O'Neill steered the club to the Premiership and Scottish Cup double despite a season marred by managerial changes and fan unrest.

Ahead of a crucial summer of recruitment on and off the field, McNamara feels the club will be "in a good, safe pair of hands" with O'Neill staying in some capacity.

Speaking at Hamdpen as he helped launch next month's Refugee World Cup, McNamara said: "If he wants to stay another year I'd be delighted with that.

"Even if he wanted to go upstairs in some capacity, on the board or in recruitment or whatever. He's shown how important he is.

"There was a lot of noise between the fans and the board and I think that noise has stopped the last few months because the focus was back on the team and on winning."

Should O'Neill feel he has unfinished business on the touchline at Celtic Park, McNamara is certain he will want assurances about the club's ambition in the transfer market.

"Anybody coming in would be looking for that," McNamara added.

"Martin knows what he needs moving forward to try and get into the Champions League. The recruitment side needs to be sorted with a sporting director coming in or head of recruitment or whatever title they'll use.

"That needs to be done quickly as well, the same with the chairman as well so there's a lot of changes coming this summer.

"The important bit was that Celtic won the league to give them a chance to make the Champions League because that attracts players to come as well."

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Centre-half Liam Scales believes Celtic's late run to a league and cup double means they can go into the next season "on a positive note" while also realising they cannot rest on their laurels.

Celtic improved in Martin O'Neill's two spells as interim manager and ended the season beating second-tier Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in Saturday's Scottish Cup final - a week after retaining the Premiership title by beating long-time leaders Hearts by the same scoreline.

"It gives us that chance to go into next season on a positive note," 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international Scales said.

"The last couple of months has all gone in one direction.

"It's been great for us, it gives us a chance to go into next season on a positive note.

"But it also gives us that realisation that we need to continue to improve and continue to be at the top of our game, to win things, because we weren't for stages of the season and that kind of put us in a difficult situation. So it's a bit of both.

"You have that positivity in the group, and everyone's buzzing, but then there's also the sense that we need to push on again.

"We definitely made it more difficult for ourselves at times. So I think everyone can learn from mistakes and everyone's included in that, players, coaches, board, it goes all the way up."

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Listen as The Herald journalist Stephen McGowan and Arbroath midfielder Ryan Flynn discuss Robbie Keane's exit from Ferencvaros amid links with the Celtic manager job with Scottish Football Podcast host Ray Bradshaw.

McGowan thinks "it's dangerous assumption" that the former Celtic loanee left Hungary's league runners-up to move to Glasgow as he spent a lot of his career in London and might prefer a job there.

Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho has confirmed that he wants to stay with Celtic, who have the option to extend the 29-year-old's deal by a further 12 months if they wish. (Glasgow Times), external

Marcelo Saracchi will return to Boca Juniors for the second half of their season after talks with Celtic about turning the 28-year-old left-back's loan into a permanent transfer ground to a halt. (Bolavip - in Spanish), external

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie claims Reo Hatate's absence from the team is because the 28-year-old Japan midfielder has fallen out with interim manager Martin O'Neill. (Glasgow Times), external

Preston North End have until 1 June to activate their clause to make Alfie Devine's loan from Tottenham Hotspur permanent for £4.5m and Celtic could pursue their interest in the 21-year-old forward if they do not complete the deal by then. (Football Insider), external

Robbie Keane, who has been linked with the Celtic manager's job, says "the time is right for me to move on" after resigning as Ferencvaros head coach following their second-place finish behind Gyori ETO in the Hungarian top flight. (The Herald), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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James Forrest lauded Martin O'Neill after Celtic's interim boss guided the club to a historic double in a rollercoaster season, and says whatever the manager decides next will be met with widespread approval.

An impressive nine-game winning run as the season drew to a close saw Celtic win the Premiership title last week with a thrilling 3-1 home win over Hearts.

The double was secured with a win over Dunfermline at Hampden, with many fans now wanting O'Neill to be made manager on a permanent basis.

Forrest, 34, who won his 28th medal for Celtic on Saturday, a club record, singled out O'Neill's ability to win over all members of the squad quickly.

The winger said: "When he came in, obviously we were going through a tough time and I think you've seen that he was just so good about every player.

"Myself as an older player, the younger boys, the foreign boys, everyone just took to him right away.

"He has an aura and it's just worked.

"You can see the games that we've won, tough games, and obviously coming back and winning the league, and then you win a cup as well.

"He's been unbelievable and it is credit to him.

"He's come in and he's given everybody confidence, made them feel good about themselves and everyone's delighted for him.

"You heard all the fans singing his name, and whatever he decides to do, I think everyone will be happy, whatever he decides."

Forrest came through the youth ranks at the club before making his first-team debut in 2010, but he insists that nothing in his time at the club has been comparable to this campaign.

"I think the Covid season, when we were going for 10 titles in a row [but lost], that was different, obviously, for different reasons," he added.

"But this one's been the most crazy, mental I've been involved in.

"I think just makes it sweeter at the end when you do come back when everyone's writing you off, to win the league and obviously to get a double to finish it.

"It is unbelievable."

Celtic fans, we asked for your views on the side's Scottish Cup final triumph.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Steven: Proud of the players and Martin O'Neill, well done.

Francis: Not really the best advert for Scottish football, but a decent game. Celtic did as expected. Hope the Pars come up next season.

Bertie: With so many players leaving in the summer and a board still very much disliked by the Celtic fans, the club NEEDS O'Neill. There is simply no other manager who can do the job.

Edward: If O'Neill were to be given the job, I'd think it would only be for one season, give him a chance at the Champions League and give Celtic more time to get a manager for the long haul.

Aozora: What O'Neill did was amazing. He saved the season. It should be up to him to continue or not. Plus, he is a nice person.

Paul: Martin had already achieved legendary status at Celtic, and winning the double has further elevated his position at the club.

I feel the club is at a serious crossroads, needing to review completely the way it views footballing operations, recruitment and needs to set a five-year programme to target greater European success.

Not sure that Martin would want to lead that project, but he deserves a place on the board, a statue and a name in lights on one of the stands or named on a road that leads to Parkhead.

One final thought is that his success this season should not be allowed to overshadow the failings of the current board.

Mark: Do it, Martin! You know you want to! Get into the Champions League and just go for it. See how it goes. You're a legend at Celtic, no matter what. Enjoy another season with the Hoops, and even if things go wrong, you can walk away with your head held high.

Steve: He should stay for six months, but in that time, train a successor to take over full time.

Paul: I don't want him to stay as manager. I'm happy with how he performed this year, and he was a great stopgap but Celtic needs to rebuild again with a new leader.

The performances were gritty but laboured, and new ideas are needed for exciting football again.

Premiership and Scottish Cup-winning interim boss Martin O'Neill, 74, expects to meet Celtic's major shareholder Dermot Desmond soon and says he "must be in consideration", with the future of the manager's position still unclear. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

O'Neill says Scotland defender Kieran Tierney "is fine" after coming off during Celtic's Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline Athletic. (Glasgow Times), external

Sunday's Scottish gossip

Watch Celtic lift the Scottish Cup trophy after beating Championship side Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 at Hampden.

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Daizen Maeda opened the scoring for Celtic in their 3-1 Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline Athletic to make it nine goals in seven games.

The Japan international becomes the first Celtic player since Jorge Cadete, in 1997, to score in seven consecutive games - he scored 12 goals in that time.

Celtic legend Henrik Larsson holds the record with goals in eight consecutive games for the Glasgow club.

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Former Scotland punditJames McFadden: "Celtic came in as heavy favourites, and it's job done.

"And what a job done Martin O'Neill has done. From where they've been throughout this season, for him to guide them to a double is quite incredible.

"Who knows? Will it be the last time we see him?

"He's shown he's more than capable. It's re-energised him, and given him the best feeling he's had as a manager."

Ex-Celtic goalkeeperPat Bonner: "Did anyone ever believe this season that Celtic could win a double? It's quite incredible.

"For Martin O'Neill to come back in two spells and to turn this around is remarkable story. It'll be in the history books, written about.

"It depends what the future holds for the club and for him."

Former Dunfermline boss Ian McCall: "I don't want to be ageist, I'm no spring chicken myself. But saying the season doesn't start tomorrow...the planning should have started weeks ago.

"The job won't stop, it will be all-consuming. I don't expect to see Engels or Maeda playing for Celtic next season. There's a huge rebuild needing done.

"I don't think he'll be the Celtic manager next year. Whether he wants to stay around and have an influence, I don't know.

"But he's enhanced his status at the football club."

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Arne Engels

"I'm really happy that I could help the team with a goal today.

"Everybody was doubting us but we as a team always believed in ourselves.

"We can finally celebrate and with it's a double it's not too bad."

Kelechi Iheanacho

"It feels really good to win my first Scottish cup.

"It was tough to get here but we won the trophy.

"It's been a crazy season. It's one we can remember for all our lives but we got there in the end so we're happy."

When asked whether he will still be at Celtic next season, Iheanacho adds: "I don't know, we will wait and see."

Callum McGregor

"They're all special.

"Probably off the back of a difficult season, everything the team has had to go through it makes it all the sweeter.

"Second half wasn't great but we did a lot of the work in the first half.

"December time nobody would have given you a hope. It just shows you the mentality and the character of the team. It's a tough season but so rewarding.

"Martin O'Neill has been fantastic since he came back in. He's been backed up by amazing staff members. I'm sure he will be involved in some capacity. The team have been fantastic, he drove them on and he can enjoy his summer as well."

Viljami Sinisalo

"As a group of players and staff, and fans, we've had a tough year.

"To top off the season with a double is special. It's a special group with a special mentality and I'm so proud to be a part of it.

"I want to play here and long may that continue. Who wouldn't want to play here? It's amazing. It's a special place to work and play football.

"It's going to be an interesting summer but I'm already excited to get back in the first day of pre-season."

On Martin O'Neill's future at Celtic, Sinisalo added: "He's not bad is he?

"What he's done to the whole group in terms of instilling that confidence and belief is a job like no other. We all love him. We've been really glad to have him. Let's see what happens, I can't say much more than that."

Alistair Johnston

"Martin O'Neill easily could've stayed home but he wanted to come back and help the club out.

"We're so thankful he did because he made a world of difference when he came back.

"I think that is completely up to him [if he wants to stay at the club]. Everyone here knows how much we appreciate him. He has earned the right to go home and take a couple of weeks to think about it.

"He's got the energy for it, I can see him coming back for sure.

"It's been a tough season, the injuries, a lot of things that have gone on behind the scenes here. The chance to be back for the last month, it gave me something to push for. I'm just glad to have played a small part in this. They fought tooth and nail on numerous occasions.

"This club is full of winners and we know how to get it over the line when we need to."

Celtic finish a haphazard season as double winners under interim manager Martin O'Neill after cruising past Dunfermline Athletic in a one-sided Scottish Cup final after dramatically winning the Premiership last weekend.

Read the full match report via this link

Have your say on the game here

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill: "It's definitely not my final, it's Celtic football club's final.

"I have had a bit part to play in proceedings. The game has changed a wee bit since I first managed and some of the things we coach so I've had to learn. I've been doing a lot of learning in the last three or four months.

"You're on the periphery then suddenly you're thrown into the middle of it and you get a perverse enjoyment from it when you win things.

"When we lost at Dundee United it felt winning things was far away. If Junior [Adamu] hadn't scored a goal in the last seconds against Dundee we wouldn't be here. So I'm delighted to be here and delighted to win.

"We had a lot of possession in the first half but I knew the adversity would never leave him alone. When I had Lennon as a player, he was one of the great players and he's proved himself as a great, great manager."

"If ever there was a chance of getting back it would have ben about seven or eight years after I first left. That never happened, and rightly so because they kept winning."

On whether he could still be manager next season, O'Neill adds: "There were no discussions about that at all.

"Next week I might get to speak to the owner. If you're asking me if i could step in after a thre-day holiday, I wouldn't have that about me.

"Dermot Desmond brought me back in the first place, I owe him a great deal otherwise I wouldn't be here."

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill says Japan forward Daizen Maeda, 28, is likely to play his last game for the club in Saturday's Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic. (Sun), external

O'Neill believes Maeda has earned a chance to play in England's Premier League. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo says Celtic are "all so thankful" for manager O'Neill's impact at the club this season. (Record - subscription required), external

Hungarian reports suggest Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane, who has been linked with former club Celtic, has resigned from his post. (Irish Times - subscription required), external

Dunfermline Athletic manager Neil Lennon says Saturday's Scottish Cup final opponents Celtic "are a very good team, but they're not a super team". (Record - subscription required), external

Saturday's Scottish gossip

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

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Without Benjamin Nygren's continual supply of goals, this season would look very different for Celtic.

Their strikers have struggled to deliver on a consistent basis, but midfielder Nygren has stepped up to shoulder the burden by netting 21 times to top the club's scoring charts.

He isn't done yet. Dunfermline await at Hampden on Saturday as Nygren bids to complete his debut season in Scotland with a league and Scottish Cup double before heading to the World Cup with Sweden.

And while he is set for a key role in Martin O'Neill's side this weekend, the 24-year-old remains baffled by his omission from December's League Cup final defeat to St Mirren under Wilfried Nancy.

"That's not a question I can answer, unfortunately," he tells BBC Scotland of Nancy's decision not to start him.

"That's a question for the manager I had at that time.

"I want to play in every big game and every final to help the team win every game I can. Not being able to do that is very disappointing."

Of the 21 times he has netted for Celtic, Nygren counts a stunning goal that was ultimately overshadowed by a certain penalty decision as one of his favourites.

"I really like my last goal, against Motherwell away," he adds, recalling his strike which put Celtic 2-1 up at Fir Park last week.

"It was a very important game and if we didn't win, it would have been a lot more difficult to win the league title."

Along with Nygren's goals, leadership has been a huge factor throughout this Celtic campaign. Sometimes the lack of it.

Brendan Rodgers departed, Nancy came and went. Martin O'Neill's return to the helm has helped conjure a Celtic fairytale ending to a season that at one point looked lost.

"He's even funnier than I first expected," Nygren says of the 74-year-old.

"He knows what it's about - it's about winning."

It is a trait Nygren feels is shared by skipper Callum McGregor throughout what has been a turbulent campaign.

"He's the best captain I have had so far," he added. "And I take so much inspiration and learn so much from him that I will take on with me for the rest of my career.

"He's a great leader. He's an even greater person. The first day I came in at Lennoxtown he spoke to me immediately, texted me immediately.

"He's a great leader and also a great player. The winning mentality he has is unbelievable."