Martin O'Neill, the veteran manager of Celtic FC, has been spotted on a scouting mission in the English Championship, raising eyebrows and sparking speculation about his future plans. This move comes just a day after Celtic secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Dundee, propelling them back into the Premiership title race. O'Neill, alongside his assistant coach Mark Fotheringham, was observed at Deepdale, watching Preston North End's match against Queen's Park Rangers.
This isn't the first time O'Neill has been linked with English football. Earlier in the season, he and Fotheringham were spotted at Fir Park, where they watched Motherwell striker Tawanda Maswanhise in action. However, a potential January move for the player fell through.
O'Neill's long-term future at Celtic remains uncertain. The 74-year-old has previously stated his intention to step down from his managerial role next season, but rumors suggest he might have a new role in a different capacity at Parkhead. This dual role could explain his recent scouting trips, as he might be eyeing potential signings for the upcoming season.
The Lancashire Evening Post suggests that Celtic could be interested in several players, including Aflie Devine and Lewis Dobbin, who are on loan from Tottenham and Aston Villa, respectively. Scottish defender Liam Lindsay is also reportedly on their radar. However, one name that stands out is Mulutin Osmajic, a striker who has faced disciplinary issues, including racism allegations and a red card for a headbutt, making him a less likely candidate for Celtic's future plans.
O'Neill's scouting trips and the speculation surrounding his future at Celtic have added an intriguing layer to the club's ongoing title pursuit. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how these developments unfold and whether O'Neill's presence in the English Championship is a sign of things to come for Celtic.
