Paul Lambert on Martin O'Neill's Future at Celtic

Paul Lambert says he would not be surprised if Martin O'Neill chose to walk away from Celtic – but insists it would be "shocking and disappointing" if the club decided to sack him.

O'Neill, now 74, has already signalled that he will use the international break to assess his position after a bruising run of results. Celtic have suffered back-to-back defeats to Rangers in the Old Firm, either side of a home loss to Ferencvaros in the Europa League. That slump followed a stunning Champions League collapse against LASK in August, when a 4-0 aggregate lead was squandered.

"I will reflect on the games," O'Neill said, as he faces up to the most searching spell of his second permanent spell in charge. He returned to the job in the summer after two stints as interim boss last season ended with a league and Scottish Cup double.

The Irishman, who lifted seven more trophies with Celtic between 2000 and 2005 during Lambert's time as captain, knows the scrutiny is intense.

"I'm not immune from criticism. Absolutely and utterly far from it," he admitted. "I think there's every reason to ask 'can you turn this round? Can you change the whole thing?' I have to kind of look at the bigger picture at this minute."

Lambert, now 57, still ranks O'Neill as Celtic's finest manager since the legendary Jock Stein. His admiration is clear, but so is his realism about where this might be heading.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he left. I don't think he needs it," Lambert said. "I'd be shocked and disappointed if Celtic sacked him.

"I think they give him the option, if that's what's on his mind, if he did want to walk away.

"He's got enough credit in the bank. It wasn't that long ago people were shouting for a statue for him, so I don't think you can go from one extreme to the other.

"If he wants to go, then he goes himself."