Mystery surrounded Celtic's training camp in Florida last night with manager Martin O'Neill's continued absence from the rest of the party.
The players flew out to America on Sunday as the former Leicester boss continued with his family holiday at director Dermot Desmond's tropical retreat in Barbados.
Many thought that was a good time for the two to have further discussions over the manager's contract with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.
But O'Neill was still expected to join up with his squad yesterday as they continue to recharge the batteries for the start of the new season.
His failure to arrive, however, has increased suspicion with his future still to be resolved while some believe he is away looking at possible new players.
"He will not be getting here today," confirmed a Celtic spokesman. "But he should be coming over tomorrow (Thursday). He is away on club business at the moment."
O'Neill first began contract talks back in September but has always insisted that a decision would not be reached until early in 2003.
PA