Celtic icon and treble winner begs Brendan Rodgers to stay at the Hoops as he goes into final year of his contract
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MARTIN O'NEILL has pleaded with Brendan Rodgers to commit his future to Celtic.
The Hoops boss plans summer talks with Dermot Desmond, with his current deal up in 12 months.
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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
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Martin O'Neill poises with three trophies
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13.05.2025 Celtic training ……………………………. Brendan Rodgers
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
But uncertainty over Rodgers has stunned Celts legend O'Neill.
And in an exclusive interview with SunSport to mark the 25th anniversary of his own Celts appointment, the former gaffer has urged his countryman to sign an extended new contract.
He said: 'I wasn't aware that Brendan only had one more year to run on his contract, but I would have thought Celtic want to keep him at the club.
'And hopefully he would want to stay. He's set a very good standard there.
'I'm also thinking that the brush he had with the Champions League would encourage him to give it another go in the next few years.
'I actually believe the new format suits Celtic.
'Going in again next season will give the players, staff, board and support something to look forward to.
'And I'd be hopeful that Brendan would want that for next season, and the season after.
'With that in mind, I'd be really surprised if he didn't stay on. I certainly hope he does.'
O'Neill also insists it's vital for Celts that rivals Rangers become stronger.
Awkward moment Martin O'Neill calls out Brendan Rodgers over 2019 Celtic exit to Leicester
The Ibrox club finished 17 points behind Rodgers' champions after a disastrous campaign.
Gers are close to appointing a new boss to replace sacked Philippe Clement, with major investment incoming from their new owners.
O'Neill added: 'I spoke to Graeme Souness about this just the other day.
'I was saying how Rangers need to get their act together, for want of a better expression.
'I genuinely believe them being strong helps Celtic.
'Obviously they are looking for a manager, and that will be the start of them making inroads.
'There's also been big talk about investment.
'In a one-off game, Rangers have proved they can beat Celtic.
'But can they find the consistency required?
'Can they go away from home and win the matches they are maybe expected to win?
'That hasn't happened in the last couple of years with this team.'
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