O'Neill out of hospital, but 'no timeline' for return

Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney says there is "no timeline" for Martin O'Neill's return from the "small procedure" the boss underwent in hospital and the 74-year-old will "make the call" about his comeback.

Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney has confirmed that manager Martin O'Neill has been discharged from hospital following a "small procedure", but stressed that there is "no timeline" for his return to the dugout. The 74-year-old will decide when he is ready to resume his duties, with the club fully supporting his recovery. O'Neill's health scare sent ripples through Scottish football, given his iconic status at Celtic. He previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, winning three Scottish Premier League titles and a Scottish Cup, and his return was seen as a major boost for the club's ambitions. Speaking at a press conference, Maloney said: "Martin is out of hospital and resting at home. He's feeling okay, but we need to give him time to recover. There's no set date for his return; it all depends on how his body responds and what the doctors say." The assistant manager revealed that O'Neill has remained in contact with the coaching staff via phone and video calls, keeping tabs on training sessions and matches. "He's very engaged, always asking about player fitness and tactical plans. Even though he's not here, his spirit is with us," Maloney added. Celtic have been performing steadily in the Scottish Premiership, but fans are eager to see O'Neill back at the helm. Club chief executive Peter Lawwell emphasized that the board will not pressure the veteran boss. "Martin's health is the priority. We trust he will return in the best possible shape," Lawwell said. O'Neill's managerial career is storied, with successful stints at Leicester City, Aston Villa, and the Republic of Ireland national team. His tactical acumen and leadership have earned him widespread respect, and his recent health issues have prompted an outpouring of support from across the football community. In O'Neill's absence, Maloney has taken on more first-team responsibilities. He admitted it's a challenge but also an opportunity. "I'll do my best to keep the team stable. Martin's experience and guidance are vital, but we must learn to cope without him on matchdays," he said. With O'Neill now out of hospital, Celtic fans can breathe a sigh of relief, but the road to recovery is still long. The club and supporters alike hope the veteran manager will fully recuperate and once again grace the touchline. As Maloney put it, "We're all waiting for him, but more importantly, he needs to be ready himself."

O'Neill out of hospital, but 'no timeline' for return

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