Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been discharged from hospital and is described as being in good spirits following a minor medical procedure earlier this week, according to his assistant Shaun Maloney.
The 74-year-old Northern Irishman was admitted to hospital for what the club described as a "small procedure", prompting a wave of concern from supporters. Celtic issued a brief statement confirming the news and requesting privacy for O'Neill and his family during his recovery.
Maloney, who has been overseeing preparations at Lennoxtown in his manager's absence, visited O'Neill and reported a noticeable improvement in his condition compared to earlier in the week.
"I went to see him last night," Maloney said. "He got out of hospital yesterday. He was in good form last night, loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully those sort of positive feelings continue."
Despite the encouraging update, there remains no clear indication of when O'Neill might return to first-team duties, with his availability for Sunday's William Hill Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park still undecided.
"No timeline," Maloney explained. "So even for the game at the weekend, it's sort of day-to-day."
Maloney confirmed that O'Neill has not been present at training this week, though he has stayed in contact with the coaching staff regarding preparations for the upcoming match. "We saw him last night, with regards to the preparation for the game and so he wasn't in today," he said, adding that he planned to speak with the manager again later in the day.
According to Maloney, a decision on O'Neill's involvement will be made gradually, with the club assessing his fitness on a day-by-day basis in the lead-up to the weekend fixture. "I'll speak to him this afternoon and then he'll make a call for tomorrow and then I'd imagine he'll make the call for the game at the weekend," Maloney added.
While hopeful that O'Neill will be fit enough to take his place in the dugout at Rugby Park, Maloney stressed that the coaching staff are ready to proceed without him if necessary. "If it's this weekend, great, if it isn't, we'll prepare for it without him," he said.
Celtic's official statement, released earlier in the week, sought to reassure fans while limiting further speculation about the nature of the procedure. "In response to speculation, we can confirm that Martin O'Neill has undergone a small procedure in hospital," the statement read. "We would envisage Martin being released from hospital in the next day or two and on behalf of Martin, we would like to thank supporters for their kind wishes."
The club reiterated its request for discretion, asking that "the privacy of Martin and his family is respected" as he continues his recovery away from the public eye.
O'Neill's health scare comes at a busy period for Celtic as they continue their Premiership campaign, and the club will be eager for a swift and full recovery for their experienced manager. For now, attention turns to Sunday's trip to Kilmarnock, with Maloney and the coaching staff prepared to lead the team regardless of whether O'Neill is able to take his customary place on the touchline.
Based on reporting from Independent Football.