Chris Sutton urges his old boss Martin O’Neill to take it easy | OneFootball

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has urged his old mentor Martin O’Neill to take it easy, after the recent news that the Irishman undertook minor surgery to correct a routine issue…

Celtic manager Martin O Neill Celtic v Middlesbrough, Pre Season Friendly, Football, Celtic Park, Glasgow – 18 July 2026. Photo Phil Oldham. IMAGO/Shutterstock

Sutton like everyone else was concerned when he heard of the news that Martin O’Neill had been admitted to hospital earlier this week, and he has given his old gaffer some heartfelt advice.

The former Celtic hero and popular pundit said: “I’ve known Martin a long time, so I’m just glad to hear he’s okay. From just a human perspective, the main thing is he gets back 100 per cent as soon as possible,” the former Celtic striker told Daily Record.

“People will obviously be wondering about what’s going to happen at the weekend, but Martin needs to look after himself first and foremost. Football’s secondary. I suppose the Celtic fans would like to see him back at the helm as quickly as possible.”

Sutton said: “Martin’s got to do what’s right for himself and his family. If he feels that he’s healthy enough to carry on, he should do. He’s not a stupid man by any stretch of the imagination. If he feels he’s fit enough to carry on, then he’ll carry on.

“He started the season and Celtic got off to an okay start. It’s just unfortunate from his personal situation what’s got going on. I suppose people from the outside would look at his age and think, well, he’s 74 and he’s been in hospital.

“People ask the question, should he carry on? But that’s up to him. If he feels fit and healthy enough, then he’s got a year on his contract and then it’ll be a wait and see what happens.”

Should Martin remain sidelined come the weekend, Sutton is confident his assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham will be more than capable of standing in for the veteran Irishman.

He said: “They’re Martin’s choices. He brought them in again this season. He has faith in them. I don’t think much will change if that is the case. I think there’s been a fair bit of negativity about Celtic’s performance on Monday.

“I actually thought it was OK. I thought they could and should have won by more goals. Kasper Hogh missed a few chances. I thought the performance was okay. The main thing is getting off to a winning start, which they did.

5th April 2026; Dens Park, Dundee; Scottish Premiership, Dundee versus Celtic; Callum McGregor of Celtic and Celtic coach Mark Fotheringham chat on the pitch. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“Shaun and Mark have got a fair bit of experience. I don’t think that would be a real issue. But, of course, everybody wants to see Martin back in the dugout.”

Martin’s medical issue is thought to be not too serious and has been taken care of this week. Hopefully after a few days rest then he should be back at Lennoxtown and preparing the team for the Champions League play-off matches against Austrian Champions LASK.

Martin O’Neill arrives at Celtic Park for the 2026 title showdown with Hearts.. Celtic 3 Hearts 1. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

On Sunday, Martin should put his feet up and watch Celtic game away to Kilmarnock on television.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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