Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert says he would be "shocked and disappointed" if Celtic sacked Martin O'Neill as the manager considers his future following a difficult run of results.
Martin O'Neill leaving Celtic would not surprise Paul Lambert, but the former Hoops captain believes the club should not dismiss the 74-year-old manager.
O'Neill is considering his position during the international break following a difficult period that has increased scrutiny around his future at Celtic Park.
Despite Celtic remaining two points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, recent results have put pressure on the manager.
Lambert backs O'Neill amid pressure
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Lambert said he would be "shocked and disappointed" if Celtic decided to sack O'Neill.
Lambert believes O'Neill has earned enough credit through his achievements at Celtic to be given control over his own future.
O'Neill returned to help steady Celtic last season and was subsequently made permanent manager again during the summer after two interim spells helped deliver a league and Scottish Cup double.
O'Neill considering Celtic future
The manager has acknowledged the criticism surrounding recent performances and said he will use the international break to reflect on the situation.
Celtic have suffered back-to-back defeats against Rangers, with a home Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros coming between those two Old Firm losses.
Celtic's official website records the Ferencvaros match as a 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park on September 17.
Their European campaign had already suffered another major setback in August when Celtic surrendered a four-goal aggregate advantage against LASK in Champions League qualifying.
Lambert calls for players to take responsibility
Lambert also placed responsibility on Celtic's players rather than directing all criticism towards the manager.
The former Celtic captain argued that players must be capable of responding to problems during matches instead of relying entirely on instructions from the coaching staff.
O'Neill has himself accepted that questions over whether he can turn the situation around are legitimate.
For now, however, no managerial change has been announced by Celtic.
The international break gives O'Neill time to consider his position before Celtic's season resumes.
Sources: BBC Sport, Celtic FC