Jackie McNamara has urged Celtic to formalize Shaun Maloney’s position as assistant manager, highlighting the former midfielder’s potential to one day lead the club as head coach. McNamara, a former Celtic player, stressed the importance of securing the backroom staff desired by manager Martin O’Neill ahead of the upcoming season.

O’Neill recently signed an agreement to return to manage Celtic following the team’s double-winning campaign last term. However, contract confirmations for his key assistants, including Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, remain pending. Maloney, 43, transitioned from his role as professional player pathway manager to become a vital component of O’Neill’s coaching setup.

Both McNamara and Maloney previously played under O’Neill during his first tenure at the club. Maloney has managerial experience from his spells at Hibernian and Wigan Athletic, though McNamara acknowledged those stints were less than successful. “Shaun has the potential to do that,” McNamara said, referring to a future head coaching role at Celtic. “He had a little taste of management with Hibs and Wigan. He has a good idea of the game, a good temperament and knows how he wants to play and wants to do things.”

While McNamara noted that Maloney’s personality differs from O’Neill’s, particularly in terms of charisma and leadership style, he believes Maloney could eventually handle both coaching and managerial responsibilities. “There are not many people like Martin who have that charisma and stature,” McNamara said. “Obviously, when you’re a manager, you’re taking all of it rather than just the coaching side. But I do think Shaun possibly could do both in the future.”

McNamara also emphasized Maloney’s coaching credentials, which were further developed during his time with Roberto Martinez’s backroom staff at Wigan and the Belgian national team. He described Maloney as a “thinker of the game” who commands respect from players and is trusted in implementing his footballing philosophy.

With Gavin Strachan reportedly set to depart for West Bromwich Albion, McNamara stressed the need to strengthen the coaching team. Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus remain part of O’Neill’s setup, but McNamara highlighted the importance of bringing in staff capable of performing their roles effectively, regardless of personal friendships. Drawing on his own managerial experience at Partick Thistle, Dundee United, and York City, he remarked, “When you’re doing your badges, they tell you not to bring people in who are your friends. But for me, the most important bit is: can they do the job? Are they good enough to do the job?”

McNamara’s comments underline the significance of confirming Maloney’s role as assistant to provide stability and continuity as Celtic prepare for the next chapter under O’Neill’s leadership.