New deal for O'Neill

Eminent positions 
The Northern Irishman has been linked with some of the most eminent clubs in England but has opted to stay at Celtic Park. "I am delighted with this agreement," O'Neill said. "With so much to look forward to this season both domestically and in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup, I am hoping that the winter break has renewed everyone's appetite for the challenges ahead."

Champions League 
O'Neill cited a will to succeed in club football's blue-riband competition as a determining factor in his decision, saying: "Having experienced [UEFA] Champions League football last season, this is something we would very much like to be involved in again and this will be high on our agenda for next season."

'Positive conclusion' 
Chief executive Ian McLeod added: "The board of Celtic Football Club are extremely pleased that Martin has agreed to this new contract and that the speculation surrounding his future at the club has been brought to such a positive conclusion. We are now looking forward to continuing our recent successes on the field as we maintain our challenge both at home and in Europe with Martin at the helm."

Successive titles 
O'Neill has been manager of Celtic since June 2000, helping the Glasgow side to successive Scottish championships - including a Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup treble in 2001. The 50-year-old, formerly manager of English clubs Wycombe Wanderers FC, Norwich City FC and Leicester City FC, will hope to guide his team into the UEFA Cup quarter-finals next month at the expense of German side VfB Stuttgart.