Celtic’s manager search is taking shape.
Interim manager Martin O’Neill has gotten off to a winning start with a 4-0 victory over Falkirk, with Shaun Maloney assisting him.
But O’Neill has insisted that he only sees this as a short-term opportunity, and does not expect to enter the running for the full-time role.
Brendan Rodgers’ resignation stunned Scottish football on Monday, coming completely from the blue. Dermot Desmond’s scathing attack on him made it clear that his relationship with the club had reached a breaking point.
And as the search for his replacement gets underway, there are plenty of names in the running – including Robbie Keane.
Jermaine Jenas on Celtic candidate Robbie Keane
Keane spent half a season on loan at Celtic Park in 2010, registering 16 goals despite the season being a desperately disappointing one.
He is the most capped player in the history of the Republic of Ireland, and their record scorer with 68 in 146 caps.
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The club he made the most appearances for in his career was Tottenham Hotspur, where he shared a dressing room with Jermaine Jenas.
And speaking on the Wildcards podcast, Jenas made it absolutely clear that he sees Keane as an ideal fit for Celtic.
“Do you think, well, two things, he’s a right appointment and he would be successful?” Jenas was asked.
“Yes and yes. Probably the answer to just to answer them quickly,” he replied. “Keano is a proper leader.
“When I was with him at Spurs, I think he was a leader off the pitch when it came to organising things for the lads and families and so on and so forth. He was an organiser on the pitch. He always set the standard most days.
“He’s not one of those ones who shies away from a challenge. And the natural links are there with Celtic. He played for Celtic as a player.
“He’s quite clearly on that side of town when it comes to supporting teams. So the fans are going to immediately take to him. And I think he just deserves it now.
“I think he just deserves his opportunity in the spotlight. And I think that not only will the Celtic fans love him, but he will do well there. I think he’s got a good team around him.”
Robbie Keane’s managerial career
Currently in charge at Ferencvaros in Budapest, Keane won the Hungarian title after being appointed mid-season – but just like Celtic, he failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing to a team from the Turkic world.
He was beaten by Qarabag of Azerbaijan, who the Hoops have played before. In fairness, they have won two of their first three games in the competition proper.
His time at Maccabi Tel-Aviv previously is what could cause issues with Celtic fans. It remains to be seen if he is pursued seriously as a candidate.
But for now, he is firmly one of the names in the frame.
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