Martin O'Neill provides health update after hospital stay

The 74-year-old was absent during Celtic's 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock as he underwent a "small procedure."

Speaking to club media for the first time since his absence, O’Neill said he was making progress. He said: "I’m much better than last week anyway.

"Yeah, a couple of ailments rolled into one, unfortunately, but I’m getting there, which is good news."

Assistant manager Shaun Maloney stepped in to oversee preparations and manage the team during the Kilmarnock match.

O’Neill, however, remained connected with the squad, visiting the team hotel and speaking to the players before the game.

Maloney had previously stated that the manager was "doing loads better" but needed "a couple of extra days" before returning to the dugout.

O'Neill's return comes as a boost for Celtic as they prepare for a challenging period of fixtures.

The club is set to face Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup at Tannadice on Saturday, and then go up against Austrian champions LASK in the first leg of their Champions League play-off next week.

Celtic had asked for privacy for O'Neill and his family during his recovery.