Martin O'Neill confirmed today that he has had more contract talks with Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond this week - but was unable to put the fans out of their misery.
With Christmas rapidly approaching supporters are becoming restless with the Parkhead manager's situation, which has yet to reach a successful conclusion.
But amid fears that discussions have stalled, the highly-rated boss had some words of encouragement this afternoon as he admitted that the negotiations would continue.
O'Neill said: "I have spoken to Dermot Desmond this week and things are on-going and the minute I have some news I will let you know."
The Celtic boss' determination to hang onto Stilian Petrov gives enough evidence that he wants to stay on after his current deal expires at the end of the season - but with a busy winter programme coming up any chance of discussions seem to be impossible.
The Bulgarian international midfielder recently expressed his reluctance to sign a new long-term contract but O'Neill is still hoping to reopen talks with the player's agent.
He added: "I've been unable to speak to his agent as he lives in Barcelona, but I'm hoping to be able to get in touch with him shortly."
O'Neill is keen to keep his Parkhead squad intact as they bid for silverware on four fronts and today he also shrugged off reports linking Colin Healy and John Hartson with January moves to the English Premiership.
O'Neill added: "Colin Healy is supposed to be linked with Everton and John Hartson with Middlesbrough but I know absolutely nothing about that."
O'Neill has a big week ahead of him as his top-of-the-table side travel to Livingston on Sunday before taking on Celta Vigo in the UEFA Cup at Parkhead on Thursday.
It was confirmed today that both legs will be shown on RTÉ Network 2.