Celtic will settle rift - MacLeod

You have to ask how much money we have spent in the transfer market since the Uefa Cup final in Seville in 2003 Martin O'Neill

Former Celtic midfielder and assistant manager Murdo MacLeod believes Martin O'Neill will remain in charge despite a row with chairman Brian Quinn.

Quinn accused manager O'Neill of calling him a liar by questioning statements he made about club finances.

But MacLeod said: "I think Martin O'Neill is looking to next season - his ambition is qualifying for the second group stage of the Champions League.

"But, if he is not given the finances, he might walk away."

Quinn's anger was revealed after he called a wrong mobile number and left a message with a teenage girl from Walsall instead of a club public relations officer.

"They have got to stay quiet and keep everything internal," suggested MacLeod.

As far as I'm concerned, there isn't a row Celtic Supporters Association general secretary Jim Divers

"Looking ahead to Sunday's vital Old Firm game, the last thing they want is the manager and chairman having a go at one another.

"Fans have been watching talk of the finances for some time now and will back the manager's wish to keep spending."

The issue came to head again due to Craig Bellamy's excellent form while on loan from Newcastle United and what it would cost the Scottish champions if they wanted to sign the striker permanently.

"The chairman has said Celtic cannot afford big transfer fees, but Bellamy would cost £5-6m and the £2m in wages would also be a big stumbling block," said MacLeod.

"But, if they can't keep him, it would be a big blow for the manager and the fans.

"I think Martin has been very loyal to Celtic, but it could get to the stage that he feels he has taken them as far as he can because he is not getting the finances to take them the full way in Europe."

Celtic Supporters Association general secretary Jim Divers believes the public rift will be resolved.

"I expect money to be made available in the summer and Martin O'Neill will stay," he said.

"As far as I'm concerned, there isn't a row and the misunderstanding will be resolved quickly.

"I'm sure the chairman and the manager will look at it and feel the situation has been mis-interpreted.

"Once the manager and the chairman speak, I am sure they will clear the air, but they will keep all that in-house.

"Managers and chairmen don't always see eye-to-eye. But they have worked together for some time, discussing money and transfers, so I don't see it as embarrassing at all."