Ex-SPL chief: Celtic warned fans will be ‘very unhappy’ amid 'big money' concern

Celtic are not guaranteed to be in the Champions League next season if they do not back Martin O’Neill in the final days of the January window.

That is according to ex-Aberdeen, Aston Villa, and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who thinks Celtic could be in a “very difficult position in Europe” if they come third in the Scottish Premiership table.

Celtic’s 2-2 draw at Hearts last time out in the Scottish Premiership means the Glasgow club remain six points behind the league leaders, with Rangers two points further ahead in second.

Defeat to Kairat Almaty meant Celtic missed out on Champions League football this season, with the club having to settle for a place in the Europa League.

Celtic have to make a decision on late transfer business

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states that Celtic have typically “relied on” revenue from European competition.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes the Hoops must make a decision on whether to back O’Neill in the final days of the transfer market.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “If they’re not more active, then the fans will be very unhappy and if it ends up that Rangers were to win the league and Hearts were second, then Celtic would be in a very difficult position in Europe.

“That is the big money thing that Celtic have always relied on, is European money. So they’ve got to make that decision. Now if they don’t trust Martin O’Neill to do it, who would they trust? He’s saved them so far and he, Martin, is an old hand.

“He knows he’s in the political power seat right now, and I think he can demand pretty much what he’s for within reason and I’d expect him to get something.

“At the moment Rangers seem to be putting their noses ahead. Hearts are still performing well and, you know, up for the battle. It’s going to be an exciting second half of the season, no doubt about it.”

Celtic in James Forrrest talks

This season could be the final one for James Forrest at Celtic after more than 15 years at the Glasgow club.

Celtic will let Forrest decide his own future, with the 34-year-old’s contract at the club expiring at the end of the campaign.

A new deal could be put forward to the Scotland international if he wants to stay at the club, but the winger has seen playing time limited this season.

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