'Might be time to wrap it up' - O'Neill to consider Celtic future

Celtic lost 1-0 to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, a week after their League Cup exit against their Old Firm rivals; Martin O'Neill's side lost 3-1 at home to Ferencvaros in their Europa League opener between those defeats to Derek McInnes' side; Celtic are two points clear of Rangers

>Martin O'Neill will take stock as his future as Celtic boss comes under further scrutiny following the 1-0 defeat by Rangers at Parkhead.

>The Light Blues cruised to a 3-0 League Cup win over the Hoops at Ibrox last Sunday and, in the Scottish Premiership rematch, a first-half strike by Ryan Naderi took Derek McInnes' side to within two points of the Hoops at the top of the table going into the international break.

>In his second spell as permanent manager after two stints as interim boss last season, O'Neill was under growing pressure going into the game after the 3-1 loss to Ferencvaros at Parkhead on Thursday night.

>Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

>Following another poor performance, the 74-year-old spoke about entering a period of self-reflection.

>"I genuinely will reflect and see," the Northern Irishman said. "It's a matter of whether I can help the team. The manager is supposed to be able to do that. I will look at that this week.

>"I think every single time something crops up and things don't go so well, age plays a part. And, do you know what, they might be right. I'll be 110 in two years' time so it might be time to wrap it up.

>"I will reflect on the games and speak to the board. You never know, they may well want to speak to me. I'll try to get a couple of days away and see how it goes."

>Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

>Asked what would happen if he reflected, then decided he could not improve the team, O'Neill replied: "By that time, I will promise you, I'll let you know.

>O'Neill addressed the growing negativity within the Hoops support, saying: "Well, I think they're absolutely entitled.

>"I mentioned this to you on Friday, absolutely entitled to, of course.

>"And I'm not immune from criticism. Far from it. Absolutely and utterly far from it.

>"I think there's every reason to ask, 'can you turn this round? Can you change the whole thing?'

>"We are, as I said, two points clear, so I have to kind of look at the bigger picture at this minute.

>"But I knew that we were in a big, big fight anyway, with both ourselves, Rangers, and Hearts again, who are far from out of anything.

>"It's a long season ahead. It's not the first time I've been questioned about my managerial time. So, yeah, I'll have a look at it. I will reflect and see."

>Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

>Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon on Sky Sports:

>"He's [Martin O'Neill] changed formation, he made four changes midweek. He's trying to find a recipe to get some fluidity.

>"Rangers were the far superior team, not just in physical attributes and running power, but football.

>"They played all the football. Celtic were a lot better than they have been in the first half, without being brilliant.

>"But second half, totally disjointed, totally outplayed. Outworked, which is the worst thing you can label at a team. Really disjointed, battered, actually battered.

>"All the best players were in a blue shirt today. Celtic have a lot to ponder and a lot to work out.

>"They've got an international break, which is probably coming at a good time for them. I know a lot of them may be away playing for their countries but there needs to be a total reset because the last three performances in the space of a week have been very poor."

>"Knowing Martin, he'll be greatly concerned. I don't like to disagree with him but it wasn't a close game. There was a massive gulf between the teams.

>"I can't actually remember a Celtic team getting such a doing at Celtic Park from a Rangers team, which happened today.

>"It looked like Celtic were making it up as they went along. Rangers were better in every department.

>"Celtic have got big problems. They were smashed by Rangers and that's a concern."

>Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.