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Celtic have reportedly identified the leading candidate to succeed Martin O’Neill as manager. O’Neill was appointed for a third spell in charge in January on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The 74-year-old has steadied the club after a turbulent campaign and currently has the Hoops in the Scottish Premiership title race alongside Hearts and Rangers, although he is not expected to remain in the role beyond the summer.
Celtic began the season under Brendan Rodgers, who resigned in acrimonious circumstances. The club then appointed O’Neill on an interim basis after a brief and unsuccessful spell under Wilfried Nancy, whose tenure ended after just eight games and two wins.
O’Neill’s return has brought stability as Celtic attempt to close the five-point gap to leaders Hearts. According to The Guardian, former Liverpool striker Robbie Keane has emerged as the frontrunner for the job, with Celtic planning a wider restructuring of their football operations at the end of the season.
His managerial work with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros has impressed the club’s hierarchy, who believe he could be open to a move to Glasgow. However, competition from other clubs could complicate matters.
Keane, who had a brief playing spell at Celtic in 2010, has enjoyed success in management, winning the Israeli title during his only full season there and guiding Ferencvaros to the Hungarian league title last season.
The Hungarian side are currently joint-top of their domestic league and remain active in the Europa League. Other candidates admired by Celtic include Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou and Craig Bellamy, though Bellamy’s situation is complicated by Wales’ involvement in the World Cup playoffs.
Askou has impressed at Motherwell, but some within the Celtic hierarchy are unsure whether he is ready for such a significant step up.
Celtic are also expected to undertake a major squad overhaul this summer as the club respond to criticism of their recent transfer strategy.
Robbie Keane was linked with the Tottenham Hotspur job in January and was considered a potential short-term option, but the club ultimately chose to appoint former Juventus coach Igor Tudor.
Keane joined Liverpool from Tottenham in the summer of 2008, bringing creativity and goal-scoring ability. His signing was seen as a coup, with fans excited about a potential striking partnership with Fernando Torres.
However, Keane’s time at Anfield proved short-lived, as he struggled to secure a regular spot under manager Rafael Benitez. He scored his first goal in a Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven.
Midway through the 2008-09 season, Keane returned to Spurs. Over his career, he also played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Internazionale, Leeds United, Celtic, West Ham United, Los Angeles Galaxy, Aston Villa, and ATK.
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