Hartson and his team-mates began pre-season training today, with O’Neill making a rare appearance on the Barrowfields training ground.

The Hoops boss is believed to be Leeds United’s first choice to succeed the sacked David O’Leary.

O’Neill has so far remained tight-lipped on the saga, a stance that has worried Celtic players and fans alike.

Hartson told celticfc.net: ‘‘My mates down in Wales have been phoning me up and asking me what’s going on with the manager, but all I can say is that I honestly don’t know, and I don’t think any of the lads do.

‘‘The manager is his own man and he is a very private person. He’ll do what he thinks is best for him and what’s best for the club.

‘‘I don’t think anyone can influence his decision, but all I can say is that from a personal point of view I certainly hope that he stays.

‘‘He’s done exceptionally well and you only have to look at what he has achieved here to see what an incredible job he has done since he took over.

‘‘I’m sure Celtic fans wouldn’t want to lose him, and neither does anyone else at the club because he’s a fantastic manager.

‘‘All the lads in the dressing room are obviously hoping that he stays because he has done such a fantastic job at Celtic but it’s not really got anything to do with anyone else. No matter what happens, I’m sure that everyone here will respect his decision.’’

The fact that O’Neill has yet to make a public declaration that he intends to stay is not, of course, proof in itself that he is about to leave.

The events of the past few days have put him in a strong bargaining position with the Celtic plc board over a new contract. His current deal has a year to run.

It will also allow him to demand more cash for new players ahead of the Champions League campaign, should Celtic negotiate the final qualifying round.

And it is the lure of more Champions League nights that Hartson hoped would persuade O’Neill to stay.

‘‘Leeds are a big club with some great players, but this club has some fantastic players and a huge fan-base and I certainly don’t think Leeds are any bigger than Celtic,’’ he said.

‘‘We also have the chance to play in the Champions League again this season and that is a

massive thing for everyone at the club.’’