da bwin： An “extraordinary” Ange Postecoglou alternative has now emerged as the frontrunner for the Celtic job, with Martin O’Neill set to be replaced in the summer.

Hoops return to form after O'Neill return

da leao： A 3-1 home defeat against Rangers was the final straw for Wilfried Nancy, and after a tumultuous spell, the Hoops have now returned to form under the helm of O’Neill, who is set to remain in charge until the end of the season.

The Bhoys have won their last three matches in all competitions, but they still have ground to make up on Hearts, with the Edinburgh side currently setting the pace at the top of the table, solidifying a six-point lead courtesy of a 2-0 victory against St. Mirren.

The 55-time Scottish champions look like they are in safe hands with O’Neill, but with the caretaker manager set to turn 74 at the beginning of March, a long-term replacement is due to be appointed in the summer.

Earlier this month, it was revealed Ange Postecoglou is still in Celtic’s thinking, but a different manager is now the frontrunner to replace O’Neill at the end of the campaign.

That is according to a report from Football Insider, which reveals Roberto Martinez has emerged as the Hoops’ top manager target, with the Portugal boss potentially set to be available after the World Cup, upon the expiration of his contract.

Martinez is at the ‘forefront of the board’s thinking’, although a number of other managers have been linked, including Ange, Scotland’s Steve Clarke and Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou, with the Steelmen fourth in the Scottish Premiership table.

The 52-year-old hasn’t managed at club level since 2016, having taken charge of Belgium and Portugal since leaving Everton, and he has been doing a good job in his current role, according to Cristiano Ronaldo…

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They’re currently weighing up the proposal.

ByEmilio Galantini Martinez could be "extraordinary" appointment for Celtic

After leading Portugal to the final of the UEFA Nations League last year, which Portugal went on to win, the ex-Everton boss received plaudits from Ronaldo, who said: “Questioning someone who has a spectacular record for Portugal makes me confused, but I understand. If a coach gets to the final and he is questioned, imagine the others.

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“There has been a bit of a lack of respect in this regard. Talking about other coaches is a lack of sense, but the coach has done an extraordinary job.”

The Spaniard, who prefers to implement a very attacking 4-3-3 system, has averaged 2.33 points per match, having taken of 36 Portugal games, which is a very impressive record, while he has also punched above his weight at club level in the past, winning the 2013 FA Cup with Wigan.

Roberto Martinez’s Portugal record

Games

36

Wins

27

Draws

3

Losses

6

Points per match

2.33

The fact Martinez hasn’t managed at club level since 2016 will be a concern, but his top-level experience means he could be an exciting appointment for Celtic, having gained experience in the Premier League and major international tournaments, including the World Cup and Euros.