SHAUN'S STILL VIP

McNamara insists it's vital O'Neill gets right-hand man back on board and sees him at helm one day

- BY CRAIG SWAN

JACKIE McNAMARA reckons Shaun Maloney is a Celtic manager in the making.

And the ex-Parkhead hero is adamant it's crucial boss Martin O'Neill gets his right-hand man and the rest of his desired backroom team sealed and in place soon.

O'Neill signed his agreement to return to lead Celtic next season after last term's Double heroics.

But deals for his assistants Maloney and Mark Fotheringham have still to be rubber-stamped.

Maloney, 43, was vital to O'Neill and the coaching set-up having moved from his role as professional player pathway manager.

McNamara and Maloney played under O'Neill during the gaffer’s first spell at the club and the latter went on to manage at Hibs and Wigan.

The former full-back believes despite less than impressive stints at the helm of the Hibees and Latics his old team-mate could one day take the top job at Parkhead.

He said: "Shaun has the potential to do that. He had a little taste of management with Hibs and Wigan.