Martin O’Neill will be back in the Celtic dugout for Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Celta Vigo after missing pre-match media duties.

Maloney handled questions on team news, the Green Brigade boycott, Celtic’s European form and the challenge posed by the La Liga side.

Our Celtic manager page covers his record and background.

According to the Daily Record, Maloney confirmed O’Neill was dealing with a personal matter, but is expected to take his place in the dugout at Celtic Park.

That will be a boost for Celtic as they look to get their Europa League campaign moving.

Celtic go into the match under pressure after losing their opening two league phase games against Ferencvaros and Benfica.

Sunday’s 7-1 win over Hearts lifted the mood, but Europe remains the issue O’Neill and his staff need to address quickly.

Maloney confirmed on Wednesday that Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers will not be available for Celta Vigo, although both could return to the squad for Sunday’s league match against Hibernian if the next few days go well.

Celtic will still expect a strong crowd at Parkhead, although the Green Brigade section is set to remain empty as part of their ongoing boycott of home Europa League and Scottish Cup fixtures.

Celtic need points, and they need a performance that shows Sunday’s Hearts response can be carried into Europe.