MARTIN O’NEILL HEADING EVERTON RACE

FORMER Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has emerged as the shock favourite to become the new Everton manager.

The ex-Hoops gaffer only extended his stay as Republic of Ireland chief last month, but bookies reckon he could be heading to Goodison. The 65-year-old is available at 4/7 with some betting companies.

O’Neill’s dream of leading the Irish to the World Cup Finals in Russia next summer were obliterated when they were hammered 5-1 by Denmark in the play-offs.

If O’Neill quit as international boss it would raise some interesting questions about the future of another ex-Celt, his current assistant Roy Keane. He could take over as Irish supremo or follow O’Neill to Merseyside.

The former Leicester City manager enjoyed success in the English top flight when he led the Foxes to two League Cup trophies before leaving to join Celtic.

O’Neill also guided Aston Villa to three consecutive top six finishes.

LISBON LION Jim Craig is the very special guest on the new CQN Podcast – out now!

Jim releases his new book, Right Back to 67, The Lisbon Lion Diary next week and we are pretty confident that this will be regarded as one of the classic Celtic books of all time.

There has been so much written about 1967 in some very fine books to-date but nothing like this. Jim kept a diary of his time at Celtic and in Right Back to 67 he is able to provide the authentic, inside story. It really is too good to miss.

You can order the book now from CQNBookstore.com and you will receive a signed copy. You can also add a personal dedication which is ideal for a Christmas gift. Simply email david@cqnpublishing.co.uk with your dedication after you have ordered and Jim will sort this for you next week.

Jim is on fine form in the Podcast too, you’ll love it.

A Celtic State of Mind presents its 25th instalment of insightful discussion around the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning invincible Scottish champions.

Jim Craig joined Paul John Dykes and Kevin Graham in the Tolbooth Studios in Stirling to discuss the Lisbon Lions’ 50th anniversary celebrations in a year which also saw Celtic winning an invincible treble, a prestigious award from FIFA naming their fans as the best in the world, and even a BAFTA!

In this emotional interview, Jim reminisces about Jock Stein, Billy McNeill, Neilly Mochan, Bertie Auld, Tommy Gemmell, Joe McBride and George Connelly.

He also discusses his latest book, his magnificent Lisbon Lion Diary: Right Back to ’67. This memoir is a real fly-on-the-wall recollection of events from 50 years ago, brought to life by Jim Craig’s intelligent and humorous brand of storytelling. Order HERE.

The CQN Podcast has gone from strength-to-strength over the last few months, and there are many more guests lined up in the months ahead from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature and politics.

Connect with A Celtic State of Mind @PaulDykes, @anorthernprose and @CQNMagazine and subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or through your podcast player.

ORDER YOUR SIGNED COPY OF JIM CRAIG – RIGHT BACK TO 67, A LISBON LION DIARY TODAY!

SIGNED COPY!