Celtic boss Martin O'Neill confirms decision to stay after reflecting on future over international break

The Celtic manager admitted before the international break that he would consider his future after three consecutive defeats and talk to the board.

The 74-year-old has now declared himself up for the challenge after two defeats by Rangers sandwiched a Europa League setback against Ferencvaros.

When asked how ready and determined he was to lead the team forward, O'Neill told the club's Celtic Player : "I am. I'm extremely prepared for it.

"We had a difficult week. It can happen, you can lose to your arch-rivals, you can lose a European game.

"It's certainly not the end of the world, as it seemed to be described. But (I'm) ready to go.

"I did think I would take a little bit of time and it didn't take me that much time to think about it.

"I want to lead the club, I want to try and win the league, which is what we set out to do, and just as determined now as ever before.

"It was a time of reflection for a moment or two and, yes, some things that you think about.

"But overall, I'm back, I'm raring to go and the team's ready."

O'Neill, whose side face Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday, live on Sky Sports , added: "What you try and do is analyse the things that you've done or perhaps the things that you haven't done.

"Throughout my managerial time, I've been exactly that. I think I look to myself, first of all. Maybe a wee bit different as a player, because I think I used to blame every other player for my own bad performance. But as a manager, you've got to look at yourself.

"And if you feel as if something has dropped away, of course you have to analyse it.

"Now, there wasn't a great deal in some of the games. If we get the equaliser just after half-time in the Rangers game, totally different ball game, totally different. But it wasn't to be. So you have to reflect on a few things like that.

"But overall, did the reflection, did all of that and a bit of self-analysing and just prepared for the battle."

O'Neill also revealed that Jota had played 45 minutes of a training-ground friendly against Falkirk on Friday, as the Portuguese winger steps up his comeback attempts following 18 months out with a knee injury.

The Celtic manager has also been encouraged by Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand getting back on the training pitch following hamstring injuries.

O'Neill added he would assess the fitness of Hyun-Jun Yang on Friday after the South Korea winger experienced hamstring trouble on international duty.

Analysis: Celtic were always calm over O'Neill future

Martin O'Neill was never going to be sacked by Celtic after three humiliating defeats in one week before the international break - but there was a real potential of him walking away from the job.

After losing 1-0 at home to Rangers on September 20, O'Neill said he would take some time to think about whether he would continue as manager of the club.

Those comments sparked widespread reports and supporter speculation that the 74-year-old was on the verge of resigning.

Sky Sports News understands Celtic have always remained calm about the situation, despite the recent results. There was no appetite to pull the trigger themselves, especially when the teams are sitting at the top of the league.

That was proven when Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson backed O'Neill in a statement announcing the club's latest financial results. He said: "We will now come together and support Martin and the players, as we focus our efforts on achieving success domestically and in the Europa League."

The ball has been completely in O'Neill's court and - as he has said today - he very quickly indicated his intention and desire to stay.

Celtic face a tricky next five games back - Motherwell away (live on Sky Sports ), Benfica away, Hearts at home (live on Sky Sports ), Celta Vigo at home and Hibernian away (live on Sky Sports ).

It's going to be an interesting month ahead for O'Neill and Celtic.