O'Neill Interim After Rodgers Resigns; 4-0 Win

Brendan Rodgers resigned as Celtic manager after a poor start and a public rebuke from major shareholder Dermot Desmond, leaving the club searching for stability. Martin O'Neill and assistant Shaun Maloney were installed as interim coaches and oversaw a 4-0 win over Falkirk that the club hopes will provide a boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, which captain Callum McGregor said is a chance to lift the mood. O'Neill described his return as "still surreal," recalled his 6-2 "Demolition Derby" debut and flagged derby nerves and selection/fitness issues including Kieran Tierney and Kelechi Iheanacho. Although O'Neill initially said he was only "keeping the seat warm" and did not intend to pursue the job permanently, media and betting markets now list him among the front‑runners while Ange Postecoglou remains favourite. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna says he has had no approach and is fully focused on his club; Rangers have been linked with familiar names such as Steven Davis. Pundits including Ally McCoist expect Rodgers to return to the Premier League in due course.