Paul Lambert Comments on Martin O'Neill's Future at Celtic

Paul Lambert says he would not be surprised if Martin O'Neill chose to walk away from Celtic – but insists it would be a "shock" if the club forced him out.

O'Neill, 74, has been left reeling by a grim run: back-to-back Old Firm defeats to Rangers wrapped around a home loss to Ferencvaros in the Europa League, and a brutal Champions League collapse to LASK in August, when a 4-0 aggregate lead was thrown away.

He has already signalled he will use the international break to step back and assess his position after a bruising spell that has turned the mood at Celtic Park.

"I will reflect on the games," said O'Neill, appointed permanent manager for a second time in the summer after two interim stints last season ended in a league and Scottish Cup double.

The Irishman is no stranger to success in Glasgow. Between 2000 and 2005 he collected seven more major trophies with Celtic, with Lambert a key figure in that side. That history, the former captain argues, should still count for something.

"O'Neill is Celtic's best manager since the great Jock Stein," Lambert said, before drawing a sharp line between resignation and dismissal.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he left. I don't think he needs it," the 57-year-old admitted. "I'd be shocked and disappointed if Celtic sacked him."

For Lambert, the decision – if it comes – should be O'Neill's alone.

"I think they give him the option, if that's what's on his mind, if he did want to walk away," he said. "He's got enough credit in the bank. It wasn't that long ago people were shouting for a statue for him, so I don't think you can go from one extreme to the other.

"If he wants to go, then he goes himself."