Martin O’Neill is still the preferred candidate to be Celtic’s new manager, according to Paul Cooney.
Earlier this week, we heard that Desmond Desmond was favouring Robbie Keane, despite the seismic impact of the interim boss this season.
However, Cooney insists that O’Neill is the preferred candidate, and the ball is in his court over whether he fancies a permanent stay or not.
Both O’Neill and Keane are currently in London for talks.
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Paul Cooney: The decision is with Martin O’Neill for Celtic’s next permanent manager
Hosting the Go Radio Football Show, Cooney said: “I bring you news that Martin O’Neill is emerging as the preferred candidate to be the Celtic manager.
“For next season, and possibly the season afterwards.
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“There’s no decision yet; there’s two names in the frame, as you know: Martin O’Neill, the double winner from last season, and Robbie Keane, highly rated as well.
“But it’s my information at the moment that the preferred candidate is Martin O’Neill. It’s Martin O’Neill’s, I believe, if he wants it. And that is an if.
“The decision would be with Martin, and probably, it’s the right one. Now, it’s not to say that Martin O’Neill is going to take it. There’s no decision yet.
“But it’s my understanding that he is the preferred candidate. It’s being weighed up by… well, ultimately, it’s Dermot Desmond’s, isn’t it, who will decide.
“But I believe it’s going to be Martin, if he wants to take it. He’s just come out of a tumultuous season. We know how it ended. The last few weeks were so dramatic.
“The most dramatic, maybe, in a lifetime that any of us can remember. To pull off the double, because some people say ‘Oh, he’s not in the modern game or whatever’.
“He’s just won in the modern game! He’s won a double!”
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A straight shootout between Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane for the Celtic job
Keane is already lining up his Celtic backroom staff, with Scott Brown and Jonny Hayes in line for Parkhead returns and Stephen Glass also prepared to accompany the Irishman.
O’Neill’s status will factor into Shaun Maloney’s role next season; the 43-year-old has reportedly been interviewed for the upstairs role of Head of Football Operations.
Keane’s pre-existing relationship with Desmond is well-known and undoubtedly a factor in his candidacy for the hotseat.
O’Neill has been vocal about his reservations over the role, and could yet decide to step out of the running.
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