Martin O'Neill has become Celtic's permanent manager on an initial one-year deal at Parkhead. The 74-year-old gave the green light after talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, who had also sounded out striker Robbie Keane. Those discussions drew fierce criticism from supporter groups due to Keane's links with Maccabi Tel Aviv, leaving O'Neill as the only realistic option.

O'Neill rescued Celtic twice during a turbulent season sparked by Brendan Rodgers' shock October departure. Taking interim charge, he erased an eight-point deficit to Hearts, reached the League Cup final and boosted Europa League hopes. Wilfried Nancy lasted just 33 days before O'Neill returned to find the Hoops six points adrift with Rangers level after losing that final.

He then dragged the squad to a domestic double, clinching the Scottish Premiership on the final day and lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden against Neil Lennon's Dunfermline. Success gives O'Neill nine trophies with the club and secures a record 56th league title, breaking the deadlock with Rangers. Celtic have now claimed 20 top-flight crowns since 2000 compared to Rangers' six.

The promotion rewards one of the most improbable rescue missions in the club's modern history. When O'Neill first stepped back through the door two decades after his original spell, few expected him to steady a squad in crisis, let alone deliver silverware. He leaves Celtic with their lead over Rangers extended and a reputation as the only figure who could have halted the mid-season rot.