Celtic Have Kjetil Knutsen Manager Decision to Make as Martin O’Neill Future Comes Into Focus

O’Neill's position has come under fresh scrutiny after Celtic suffered three consecutive defeats, including back-to-back losses against Rangers and a Europa League defeat by Ferencvaros.

The experienced Northern Irishman admitted after Sunday's 1-0 Old Firm defeat that he would use the international break to reflect on his future, leaving Celtic facing an unexpected question over their managerial plans.

That immediately puts the club's previous interest in Knutsen back into focus.

Knutsen remains a name to watch

The Bodø/Glimt manager has been linked with Celtic on several occasions and was identified as a potential candidate during previous managerial searches.

Knutsen has built a strong reputation in Norway after transforming Bodø/Glimt into a domestic force and establishing the club as a regular presence in European competition.

Celtic's interest is understandable given the Norwegian's record and his familiarity with European football.

However, there is an important distinction between being a reported candidate and being close to an appointment.

There is currently no confirmation that Celtic have made Knutsen their next managerial choice.

O’Neill's position changes the picture

When O’Neill returned to Celtic last season, initially in an interim capacity, he helped steady the team and ultimately guided them to the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Celtic then confirmed him as permanent manager in June.

The current situation is therefore a significant change from the position the club appeared to be in during the summer.

Three defeats in succession have created questions that did not exist when O’Neill signed his new deal.

The back-to-back Rangers losses have been particularly damaging, while the European defeat against Ferencvaros added another setback during a difficult week.

O’Neill has now acknowledged that he needs time to consider what comes next.

That leaves Celtic's board with a situation they may not have expected to face so early in the campaign.

Why Knutsen keeps returning to the conversation

Knutsen's name has repeatedly surfaced because of what he has achieved with Bodø/Glimt.

He has overseen the club's rise from Norwegian contenders to domestic champions and European competitors, while developing a distinctive style that has attracted attention outside Norway.

Celtic have previously been linked with him, although reports have also suggested that persuading him to leave Bodø/Glimt would be difficult.

That means any future approach would depend on several factors, including O’Neill's eventual decision and whether Celtic formally reopen their search for a permanent successor.

For now, Knutsen remains a reported option rather than a confirmed Celtic target for an immediate appointment.

Celtic face an important decision

The immediate priority is what happens with O’Neill.

If he remains in charge, the focus will turn towards whether Celtic can respond after the international break and put the recent run behind them.

If the veteran manager decides to step away, the club would suddenly have to revisit the managerial market.

Knutsen's name would inevitably enter that conversation again, given his previous links with the club and his reputation in European football.

But Celtic have also been linked with several other candidates during their recent managerial searches.

For now, the situation remains unresolved.

O’Neill's decision during the international break could determine whether the Knutsen speculation develops into something more substantial — or disappears back into the background.