Roy Keane has offered a typically brief response after Celtic’s 1-0 Old Firm defeat to Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday. Celtic Shorts reported that the former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder appeared in the stands before cameras caught him outside the stadium after the final whistle.

Hamish Carton, presenting a live Celtic AM fan show, called over to Keane and asked for his thoughts. Keane replied with four words: “Ups and downs of football.” His comment came after a grim week for Martin O’Neill’s side, who lost 3-0 to Rangers in the League Cup, suffered a 3-1 Europa League defeat against Ferencváros, then lost the league derby 1-0. O’Neill has since confirmed that he will use the international break to consider his position and speak with the Celtic board. He has not committed to staying.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic, arrives at the stadium before the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Glasgow Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic need a clear response from the board because three defeats in seven days have exposed problems across the team. The results matter, yet the performances raise a separate concern. Rangers controlled large periods of both Old Firm meetings, while Ferencváros punished Celtic at Parkhead, leaving O’Neill with little room for another poor display when domestic football returns.

I would therefore end O’Neill’s second spell now and appoint a younger coach with stronger tactical ideas. The club need a manager who can improve the press, protect possession in dangerous areas and give the squad a repeatable attacking structure. Those changes cannot wait for months while confidence continues to slide.

The dressing room needs firmer standards too. Celtic cannot keep conceding control in major matches before trying to recover late. The team must reduce needless turnovers near the final third, defend transitions with greater discipline and press together instead of sending individual players forward without support.

There is one point worth stressing, though. O’Neill won the league and Scottish Cup last season, so the board cannot erase that work because of one bad week. Still, his own comments have opened the door to a serious review, and the international break gives Celtic a natural moment for that decision.

A fresh coach could then use the break to establish roles, sharpen defensive distances and restore confidence before the next league fixture. If he concludes that he can no longer improve the side, the club should act quickly rather than allow uncertainty to dominate the next phase of the season.