Martin O’Neill has signed a one-year permanent contract as manager of Celtic, with the possible option of an extra year, after guiding the Hoops to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season.

The 74-year-old was called in on an interim basis twice last season after the resignation of Brendan Rodgers and sacking of Wilfried Nancy.

And after winning 28 of the 35 games with the Northern Irishman at the helm, the Parkhead club have retained his services for an extra season.

He told club media: “It is once again a great privilege for me to continue as Celtic manager. Last season will live long in all our memories and to be part of that success has in a big way whetted the appetite to work again for more days like those and bring our supporters those moments.

“Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the players and staff and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for bringing that level of focus, determination and talent to bear at the conclusion of the season to deliver the league and Cup double.

“I would particularly like to thank the Board for asking me back and giving me this opportunity again.

“We know of course that Celtic can never rest on past success so we are now aiming to drive forward together in the coming season as we aim to deliver again for the club and our fans.

“I thank our fans for their ongoing support, it means everything to us. I look forward to being back at Celtic Park next season when we will come together and we will strive again to bring our fans the success which that support deserves.”

Last season’s Premiership title and Scottish Cup win brought O’Neill’s silverware haul in Glasgow up to nine, and said at the end of last campaign that the post had given him ‘a reason to live’. 

Former Celts loanee Robbie Keane had reportedly discussed the role with minority shareholder Dermot Desmond, but dozens of Celtic fan groups signed an open letter against the move due to the Ireland top scorer’s work with Maccabi-Tel Aviv from Israel. 

The defending champions are yet to release any details of their pre-season, so it remains to be seen the first time O’Neill will be back in the dugout. 

His first competitive game back will be on the weekend of August 1st, when the Premiership season commences.