Martin O'Neill has put an end to speculation over his future at Celtic, confirming he made up his mind quickly after a troubling run of results that had prompted him to question whether to continue as manager.

The 74-year-old had openly raised doubts about his position following a 1-0 home defeat to Rangers — the third consecutive loss Celtic suffered before the international break. At the time, O'Neill told reporters: "It's not the first time I've been questioned about my managerial time. I'll have a look at it. I will reflect and see."

Speaking at his press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday's Premiership trip to Motherwell — live on Sky Sports — O'Neill was clear that the pause in the calendar helped him quickly regain focus.

"It didn't take that long in all honesty. There was an international break. It gives you time to reflect. I was obviously disappointed with the week we had. There's a long season ahead and it didn't take me long to make my mind up to continue, as long as the club wanted me and I was happy to do it."

O'Neill was candid about the potential criticism he would have faced had he walked away. "Leaving at this particular stage would have been poor," he said. "Had there been no international break, I probably wouldn't even have said what I said."

League focus remains

Despite the three-game losing streak, Celtic remain two points clear of Rangers at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. O'Neill pointed to that lead — and to Celtic's impressive 13-game winning run in the league before Rangers ended it — as reasons for belief.

"We're actually still in front in the league at this minute," he noted. "I have belief in the team and I think our focus should be to try and win the league."

He added that his experience guiding Celtic to the double across 23 league games last season continued to motivate him. "Because it's in the recent past, it gives you that spur to want to go and do it," O'Neill said.

Injury updates: Jota and Emenalo

O'Neill provided encouraging news on Jota, who has been absent for almost 18 months following a cruciate ligament injury. The winger has been training with the squad for a considerable period and featured in a friendly against Falkirk, giving him "every possibility" of being available on Sunday.

Chelsea left-back Landon Emenalo, who agreed a loan move to Celtic at the close of the summer transfer window, is also set to finally link up with the squad after recovering from an injury of his own. "I think with a little bit of luck he's coming up tomorrow and he'll start with us next week," said O'Neill.

Green Brigade boycott a 'really sad situation'

O'Neill also addressed the growing tension between Celtic supporters and the club's board. The Green Brigade, the club's prominent ultras group, announced a boycott of remaining Europa League home matches and all Scottish Cup ties, citing what they described as the board's "naked contempt" for supporters.

The dispute was ignited by a club statement that alluded to "the conduct of the Green Brigade" following a tennis-ball protest aimed at major shareholder Dermot Desmond at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews. The ultras denied responsibility for that protest but condemned what they called a deliberate attempt to attach their name to it.

Their statement read in part: "Under the influence of Dermot Desmond, a dark cloud lingers over our club creating an increasingly unsustainable environment."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton had described the club as "a bit of a cesspit" earlier in the week. O'Neill, who steered Celtic through similarly turbulent waters last season to win the double, expressed regret at the situation without endorsing either side's position.

"I think it's a really sad situation if that's the case," said O'Neill. "When the club came together, I can remember the days of having 80,000 people in Seville without an arrest. That's Celtic to me. All I do know is that when the club were together towards the end of the season, I genuinely felt we were unbeatable. We have to try and win some football matches maybe to get some togetherness here."