Celtic will be on cloud line after sweeping aside Rangers to reach the Premier Sports Cup final, and they have now received a response after making a surprise approach to appoint Mark van Bommel as their new manager.

Whether he lands the job permanently or not, Martin O’Neill has once again hammered home his legendary status in the dugout at the Scottish Premiership champions after securing back-to-back wins over Falkirk and Danny Rohl’s men since returning to Parkhead.

After a frustrating start to the campaign under Brendan Rodgers that led to an explosive departure, his Irish compatriot has more than steadied the ship and would be open to taking on the role full-time if discussions with Dermot Desmond were to be forthcoming.

Nevertheless, the search for a permanent fix goes on. Lee Carsley, Nicky Hayen and Kieran McKenna are on Celtic’s list. Meanwhile, Robbie Keane and Wilfried Nancy are outside contenders to fill the void as the race widens before the international break.

One thing is for sure, they won’t have a shortage of talent to work with in Glasgow. Callum Osmand’s Glasgow Derby heroics have given the Bhoys an unexpected striker solution, and Johnny Kenny has also bagged three in his last two games after coming in from the periphery over the last week.

Until January, anyone who takes on the Celtic job may need to play around to find solutions in certain areas. However, O’Neill will leave the squad in a much better place should they find a new head coach, that is, if he isn’t appointed himself.

Either way, time is ticking, and the Hoops are seemingly keen to announce their latest manager, though fresh developments seem to suggest it won’t be a certain former Netherlands international.

Mark van Bommel replies to Celtic management offer

According to a report from Telegraaf, Mark van Bommel has declined an offer to manage Celtic, and he also has offers on the table from Saudi clubs offering more than £1 million per annum, something he has decided to knock back.

The former Royal Antwerp boss doesn’t want to move away from home right now because his son, Ruben, suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury at PSV Eindhoven. In a time where he needs support, the 48-year-old has opted to put his family first.

Honestly, it is hard to fault Van Bommel for his decision. Despite also being linked to Rangers after they sacked Russell Martin, it doesn’t appear that he will be pitching up in Glasgow any time soon.

Throughout his career in the dugout, the Maasbracht-born man has been in charge of PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg and Antwerp, and has claimed the Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup during his time at Bosuilstadion.

Celtic could still spring a surprise appointment instead of Van Bommel

Now, Celtic will focus on other targets, safe in the knowledge that O’Neill and Shaun Maloney are getting a tune out of their side in the meantime.