Celtic have sought out for Martin O'Neill for guidance in their search for a new manager.

That's according to Football Insider, who claimed that O'Neill's views will be taken into consideration because is he is held in such high regard by the club.

The 69-year-old won three league and four cup titles in his tenure at Parkhead between 2000 and 2005. Most notably, he led the Hoops to the UEFA Cup final in 2003. Having claimed the scalp of Liverpool along way, they were beaten by FC Porto in the decider.

They are hopeful their next boss can forge a similar legacy and quash the resurgence of newly-crowned champions Rangers under Steven Gerrard.

Neil Lennon resigned in February, and John Kennedy is in interim charge as Celtic pore over the long-term candidates.

Celtic reportedly wanted O'Neill on temporary basis

Football Insider also claimed that Celtic reached out to O'Neill last December about the possibility of taking over until the end of the season as Rangers opened up a healthy advantage at the top of the Premiership.

The 69-year-old turned down the offer, but his current involvement demonstrates his ongoing investment in Celtic's success, continuing to watch their matches frequently.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Some Celtic fans may fear that the board's receptiveness to external opinion points to a lack of direction, but it is arguably a good thing that they are mulling over their options over an extended period and taking in different perspectives rather than rushing into a hasty decision.

There is no immediate need to appoint Lennon's successor, with little to play for this season, and all that really matters is that the new manager can oversee the club's summer transfer dealings to begin the rebuild.

In other news, Kevin Campbell has ruled out one managerial candidate for the Celtic job.