Celtic are in the market for a new manager and look set to ramp up their search over the international break, albeit they also seem to be hunting for January reinforcements.

Following Brendan Rodgers’ departure, the Bhoys have placed Martin O’Neill in interim charge, and his brief spell has only acted to enhance his reputation among supporters after his first time in the dugout at Parkhead.

The 73-year-old kicked off his second tenure with victories over Falkirk and Rangers before a defeat to FC Midtjylland put the cat among the pigeons regarding Celtic’s attempts to get out of the Europa League league phase.

Callum Osmand’s hamstring injury sustained against the Danish outfit only compounded matters, given he is likely to be on the sidelines for a lengthy period.

However, Celtic returned to winning ways with a convincing 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon, with his striking counterpart Johnny Kenny stepping up to the mantle again with a fifth goal in 11 appearances this season.

Speaking after the match, O’Neill made it clear that he expects to be made aware of whether the Hoops are set to imminently appoint a new manager over the international break amid speculation that he could stay on until the end of the season.

He said: “I have to go back down to London again, I’m going to go into a darkened room and come out on Thursday and say, ‘has this really happened’. So I should imagine at some stage or another during the course of the next week, whether it be tomorrow, whether it be Saturday or Sunday of next week, that somebody will let me know what’s happening.”

For now, Celtic will take some time to reflect on a successful recent upturn in form, though they already appear to be firmly in the market for January reinforcements regardless of who is in the dugout.

Celtic set to move for cut-price Stefan Ortega in January

According to the Star on Sunday (print edition, 09/11/2025), Celtic are set to move for Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in January and could land the 33-year-old for a bargain fee of £500,000.

Providing an explanation, he is out of contract at the end of the season and has fallen behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford in the pecking order, hence why the stopper may be available for a price that doesn’t exactly reflect his market value.

Stefan Ortega’s record at Man City

Appearances

56

Clean sheets

25

Trophies won

Premier League x2 Champions League FA Cup FA Community Shield Club World Cup UEFA Super Cup

Ultimately, Ortega has become something of a cult hero at the Etihad Stadium since his move to England from Arminia Bielefeld. However, he may fancy a shot at being an outright number one while he is still in his prime as a goalkeeper.

Celtic have a new boss on their shortlist to succeed Martin O'Neill

Kasper Schmeichel is out of contract at Celtic next summer, though it remains to be seen whether the veteran Denmark international will face a fight for his spot from January onwards or whether the Bhoys wait until the campaign is over to source a contingency plan.