Celtic have plenty on their plate in the immediate future.
And for now, they have firmly put their faith in Martin O’Neill to navigate it.
But when does the long-term come into focus? O’Neill has recently said that he would lean towards leaving in the summer, raising questions over plans for a permanent manager.
Without a Paul Tisdale-type ‘director of football’ figure, there is even ambiguity around who will hire the new manager – but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t contenders.
One who has been spoken about is Jens Berthel Askou – and Chris Sutton has firmly made up his mind.
Would you take Jens Berthel Askou in the event that Martin O’Neill leaves Celtic in the summer?
Chris Sutton on Jens Berthel Askou as a Celtic option
It’s difficult to overstate how remarkable a job that the Dane has done since quietly moving to Fir Park last summer.
Not only has he delivered exceptional results, but he has achieved this playing a brand of football widely praised as the best in the country.
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What’s not to love? Not a lot, in the eyes of Sutton, who also examined some other candidates being rumoured to take over in the summer.
He told the Daily Record: “I’m now convinced Jens Berthel Askou would be a great fit for Celtic.
“You want his Motherwell team and you can’t help but be impressed. They are arguably the best side to watch in the country.
“He’s managed to build a team that is solid defensively, superbly maintains possession and creates chances – and all on a fraction of the money spent at other clubs.
“It’s been a remarkable job. I’ve never seen a Scottish team do what Motherwell has done this season – and that’s dominate against Celtic and Rangers.
“Usually teams set up to try to stop the Glasgow clubs playing. Instead it’s been the other way around this year.
“I’ve also been impressed with the way he communicates in the media. He just ticks so many boxes for me.
“It’s hard to know what Dermot Desmond will be thinking as he’s shown in the past he’s capable of making bold, big name appointments, like Brendan Rodgers and O’Neill first time around.
“There’s been a lot of talk around Roberto Martinez, and that’s been there for a number of years now.
“But I just think there is a guy on Celtic’s doorstep who is showing a lot of positive attributes to be a success at the club.
“It would be fascinating to see how he would do with more resources.”
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Other Celtic candidates for the summer
Sutton mentions Roberto Martinez, who has been linked with the role given his links to Shaun Maloney – however, his involvement in this summer’s World Cup makes him a problematic choice for pre-season.
Also potentially competing at the World Cup is Craig Bellamy, the current manager of Wales who will discover his fate in the play-offs next month.
Robbie Keane links don’t seem to be going away, especially given his pre-existing relationship with Dermot Desmond.
Until we know for sure that O’Neill will leave before the end of the season, he can’t be ruled out.
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