Efrain Juarez was certainly a name that Celtic fans hadn’t heard in a while.
The Mexican midfielder and full-back, who was brought to Celtic by Neil Lennon in 2010, has sensationally been claimed to be on the Hoops’ shortlist to replace Brendan Rodgers.
Martin O’Neill’s return to Parkhead has been a feel-good story, but with the international break now underway, the search for a permanent replacement is set to gather pace.
Kjetil Knutsen and Kieran McKenna have been among the favourites for the job, but Juarez’s name is certainly a more left-field shout.
The 37-year-old is currently in charge of Pumas in Mexico, having previously won the title in Colombia. He has now addressed the surprising rumours.
Efrain Juarez on reports linking him to Celtic
Juarez was involved in an almighty fallout in Mexico on Saturday, as his Pumas side dramatically sealed a place in the play-offs on the final matchday of the regular season.
He told Cruz Azul to ‘stop whining’ over an injury which left their goalkeeper with a suspected tibia fracture. Spicy stuff.
READ MORE: Lens fans say the Odsonne Edouard of Celtic is ‘back’ as they rave about their new hero
Should the Hoops actually pursue Juarez, they may now have to wait after his qualification for the play-offs.
He may sound like an absurd candidate, but in securing multiple trophies with Atletico Nacional, he has certainly shown promise as a manager.
Speaking to the media on the Celtic links, which originated in Scotland, he said: “I have no expectations of those circumstances ever.
“Whatever will happen will happen, but today I am very calm, happy, and excited about my club that opened its doors to me twenty years ago.”
Celtic fans won’t have many expectations of the links either, given the strengths of some of the other candidates being linked.
But it will be fascinating to track the Mexican’s career in management. He was first brought into coaching by former Hoops boss Ronny Deila, in a bizarre coincidence.
Juarez made 21 appearances in his sole season at Celtic Park, scoring twice.
Efrain Juarez and other fringe Celtic candidates
Juarez’s name is one of a few to have been raised as an outside contender for the job.
Lee Carsley’s is another, with the England under-21 manager having been extremely successful in his role. The former Ireland midfielder took interim charge of the main England team, prior to the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.
Nicky Hayen’s successes at Club Brugge make him an exciting candidate. Hayen has left the door open to Celtic with his public comments.
Brian Barry-Murphy’s name was also reported in some outlets yesterday, but the Irishman has only been in charge of Cardiff since the summer.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
