The Parkhead club announced on Wednesday that the 74-year-old Northern Irishman had undergone a “small procedure”. O’Neill’s assistant Maloney gave an upbeat prognosis ahead of Sunday’s William Hill Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park although it is not yet certain if the Hoops boss will be in the dugout.
Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney says there is "no timeline" for Martin O'Neill's return from the "small procedure" the boss underwent in hospital and the 74-year-old will "make the call" about whether he will be in the dugout for Sunday's trip to Kilmarnock. "I went to see him last night," Maloney revealed. "It was really positive. He was in good form - loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully that sort of positive feeling he has continues."
But Maloney added: "Even for the game at the weekend, it's sort of day-to-day. We saw him last night with regards to the preparation for the game and then he wasn't in today. "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. "But, if it's this weekend, great. If it isn't, then we'll prepare for it with that one."
Maloney, who has managed Hibernian and Wigan, admitted it would be "strange" if he has to take charge at Rugby Park. "We'll definitely miss him if he's not there but you also have to respect what's happened the last few days," he said. "The impact that he's had over, what was it, since October, it's been nothing short of incredible really - the things that he does with the players and the staff. "So we will miss him, but we'll be prepared. We've got some brilliant senior players, but we'll see. We'll let him make the call."