Shaun Maloney fires back at claims he’s pulling the strings at Celtic and insists ‘Martin O’Neill leads EVERYTHING’

SHAUN MALONEY remains undecided whether football management is for him in the future. But he is absolutely adamant that he’s NOT doing that job right now. Some Celtic supporters are convinced Maloney doesn’t just coach the team — they reckon…

By Robert Grieve · The Scottish Sun

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 9:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Shaun Maloney rejected claims that he secretly manages Celtic, insisting Martin O'Neill leads all tactical and selection decisions.
Maloney revealed that his own ambitions to return to senior management have been shelved for the current season.
Celtic face Celta Vigo seeking their first Europa League points following consecutive defeats against Ferencvaros and Benfica.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Shaun Maloney has dismissed suggestions that he is secretly running team affairs at Celtic, insisting manager Martin O'Neill remains fully in charge. Responding to fan speculation that he makes tactical and selection calls behind the scenes, the 43-year-old coach confirmed that the 74-year-old O'Neill oversees recruitment, tactics, and team selection exactly as he did during his first managerial spell.

Maloney noted that while he previously managed Hibernian and Wigan, he has put his own managerial ambitions on hold to assist O'Neill. Looking ahead to Celtic's Europa League match against Celta Vigo following consecutive European defeats, Maloney confirmed striker Camilo Duran will start ahead of £11 million summer signing Kasper Hogh.

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