Martin O'Neill confirms he will stay as Celtic manager

The 74-year-old told the club's channels that he is ready to lead the team forward. "I'm extremely prepared for it," he said. "I want to lead the club, I want to try and win the league, which is what we set out to do, and just as determined now as ever before." He added that the decision did not take him long and that the team is ready.

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson had already backed the manager in a club statement that announced the latest financial results. He said the club would come together to support O'Neill and the players, with the aim of success domestically and in the Europa League.

Celtic's next five matches are Motherwell away at Fir Park, Benfica away, Hearts at home, Celta Vigo at home and Hibernian away.

O'Neill also gave an injury update. Jota, the Portuguese winger, played 45 minutes of a training-ground friendly against Falkirk as he steps up his return from an 18-month knee injury. Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand are back on the training pitch after hamstring injuries, and Hyun-Jun Yang will be assessed after hamstring trouble on international duty with South Korea.