O’Neill has stepped down to spend more time with wife Geraldine, who has cancer, and Gordon Strachan will take over as manager on Tuesday.

But despite the sadness surrounding the reason for his departure after five trophy-laden years at the helm he remained bullish about the club’s prospects.

He told the fans: “I don’t think it is the end of an era but the start of a new one to be perfectly honest.

“It has been so brilliant to have been part of the history of this football club.”

O’Neill, who saw Celtic lose 1-0 to a 90th-minute Robbie Keane strike, also paid tribute to McNamara for his 10 years of service.

Admitting he had not realised straight away how good a player the 31-year-old was, he drew huge applause by adding: “In the last two seasons he has just been enormous.”

McNamara, who was able to welcome Henrik Larsson and Lubo Moravcik back to Celtic Park, added: “I feel very honoured that so many have turned out for me, and by the players who have come to play. It is very humbling.

“It was emotional all the time for me although I tried not to show it. It was a special day.”

McNamara had inherited the captain’s armband from Paul Lambert, who is also leaving Celtic Park to begin a managerial career at Livingston.

He too received an ovation and declared himself delighted. He said: “It was amazing – first class.

“You are never quite sure how people will react to you but when you go out to that sort of thing it is very much appreciated.

“It is always sad when you have had great years at a club and I am lucky enough to have had that here. It has been terrific.

“You don’t have to be the best player in the world but if you work for it then they will appreciate you.”