The manager was much more direct when asked about the the board's decision to reject the Engels offer. "It's really tempting and it's come at a very late stage, I must admit, so real great credit to them. It's not too fanciful to imagine that he would have made his feelings crystal clear to the Celtic hierarchy when told about Forest's interest. The cover simply wasn't there to let Engels move as Celtic fight for the Premiership trophy, compete for the Scottish Cup and look to get past Stuttgart in the Europa League. O'Neill is happy and it remains to be seen if the episode impacts Engels, who cuts a calm and composed figure on and off the pitch.

Source: BBC February 03, 2026 23:54 UTC