Martin O’Neill admits he would be disappointed if he was not at least considered for the Celtic job but insists he is not expecting anything to be handed to him.
The 74-year-old, who could secure a domestic double in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final, says any decision over his future will come down to whether he still has the energy to continue.
O’Neill revealed he expects to speak with major shareholder Dermot Desmond after the final, but played down suggestions he has earned the role outright. He said: “Yeah, I would expect Dermot to talk to me.
“I wouldn’t expect him to say, ‘Look, there’s a five-year deal’. If he does, that takes me up to 93! It’s whether I’d be up for the challenge again, really.”
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Despite leading Celtic to the Premiership title, O’Neill is unsure if he has the appetite to rebuild and push on next season, particularly with increased competition. He said: “Our club have to really look at it and see that the challenges are coming, which is great.
"It’s great that Hearts are coming with a charge and Rangers will get stronger.”
O’Neill also highlighted the practical challenges facing whoever takes charge, with players returning quickly ahead of the new campaign. He added: “But whatever you do, you don’t get much time when the season starts.
“The squad is back on June 26 and we will have a plethora of players coming back. I’m not talking about the World Cup boys, I’m talking about players I’ve never seen. That takes a bit of doing and it’s whether you’d have the real energy to do that.
“Could I do it? I genuinely don’t know, honestly.”
