Celtic have confirmed manager Martin O’Neill is recovering in hospital after undergoing what the club described as a “small procedure”.

The 74-year-old is expected to be discharged within the next couple of days, with the Scottish champions providing an update after speculation over his absence.

“In response to speculation, we can confirm that Martin O’Neill has undergone a small procedure in hospital,” Celtic said in a statement.

“We would envisage Martin being released from hospital in the next day or two and, on behalf of Martin, we would like to thank supporters for their kind wishes.

“We would ask that the privacy of Martin and his family is respected.”

No details have been released regarding the nature of the procedure.

O’Neill present for opening day win

O’Neill was in the dugout on Monday as Celtic opened the new Scottish Premiership season with a 1-0 victory over Dundee.

The Northern Irishman was appointed on a permanent basis in June after two separate interim spells last season, signing a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.

His return to Celtic came almost 20 years after his first spell in charge, replacing Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis last October before handing over to Wilfried Nancy in December.

However, Nancy’s reign lasted only eight matches before O’Neill was brought back for a second interim spell, guiding Celtic to a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Those successes convinced the club to hand him the role permanently following talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond.