Celtic's O'Neill misses Kilmarnock match after hospital stay

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill will not be in the dugout for his side's Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock on Sunday following his midweek hospital stay. O'Neill is convalescing at home after undergoing "a small procedure" earlier this week and assistant Shaun Maloney will take charge of the Scottish champions at Rugby Park. The 74-year-old Northern Irishman is understood to be recovering well, but the match has come too early for him to attend. O'Neill could potentially return for the Premier Sports Cup tie against Dundee United next weekend. O'Neill out of hospital, but 'no timeline' for return He signed a one-year deal in June to become permanent manager after two interim spells last season culminated in a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double. Speaking at a pre-match media conference on Friday, Maloney said he had spoken to O'Neill about the match. "It was really positive," the former Celtic and Scotland midfielder said. "He was in good form - loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully that sort of positive feeling he has continues. "We'll definitely miss him if he's not there but you also have to respect what's happened the last few days. "The impact that he's had over, what was it, since October, it's been nothing short of incredible really - the things that he does with the players and the staff. "So we will miss him, but we'll be prepared. We've got some brilliant senior players, but we'll see. We'll let him make the call."