Richard Dunne on Celtic's recent results which prove that recruitment hasn't been right, Robbie Keane's next managerial role – and Big Dunc's shock appointment as Glentoran manager
Celtic's Sam Johnstone looks dejected
Celtic's Sam Johnstone looks dejected after conceding the second against Falkirk on Sunday
View 4 Images
Former Republic of Ireland and Man City defender Richard Dunne has spoken about the problems at Celtic, with the Hoops in crisis – despite being four points clear at the top of the SPFL Premiership.
Dunne was signed for Aston Villa by current Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and also won the last handful of his 80 international caps under the veteran boss. And he's convinced O'Neill can turn around the club's fortunes.
He also spoke about the next managerial role for his former Ireland teammate Robbie Keane. He was heavily linked with the Celtic job over the summer but fears of a backlash from the highly politicised fanbase proved too much for the club, simply because he previously managed Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.
And Dubliner Dunne, 47, also told Snabbare how his former Everton teammate Duncan Ferguson will bring publicity and attention as Glentoran boss in Northern Ireland.
Starting with Celtic, he said their recent results prove that recruitment hasn't been right. "It's unusual to see a run like this at Celtic," said Dunne. "They need to settle down and get back to winning ways. Losing to Falkirk and struggling in European games shows that recent recruitment hasn't been right and they've lost their strength.
"We've spoken about the European losses to Benfica and Celta Vigo, but Celtic used to compete with the biggest sides in Europe, so they look a bit lost right now. If Martin O'Neill can rebuild their confidence, they should be strong enough to challenge, but they need a proper rebuild to become a superpower again."
Richard Dunne won 80 caps for the Republic of Ireland
Richard Dunne won 80 caps for the Republic of Ireland(Image: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
View 4 Images
He believes Sam Johnstone, the 33-year-old English goalkeeper on a season-long loan from Wolves, can be the key for Celtic clicking into gear, both domestically and in Europe.
Dunne said: "When a keeper loses confidence, it affects the whole defence. You have to give other players a chance and hope things click and that's what Martin has done with Sam Johnstone. Sometimes a single clean sheet can turn your whole season around. That's what Celtic are desperate for right now. Doing the basics right and having a keeper in form could be the catalyst to turn their season around."
Turning to Robbie Keane, he said the former Republic of Ireland's captain's next managerial role should be in the English Premier League. "Robbie Keane to Crystal Palace?" he said. "I don't see why he shouldn't be considered. What he's done in his short managerial career proves he's successful.
Anti-Robbie Keane graffiti outside Celtic Park
Anti-Robbie Keane graffiti outside Celtic Park(Image: North Curve Celtic)
View 4 Images
"He knows the Premier League inside out, and management is really about dealing with players and making them successful. If the Crystal Palace job opens up, he definitely deserves to be in the conversation."
Dunne was sent off a record eight times in the English Premier League, a record he shares with Patrick Viera and Duncan Ferguson. And he reckons the former Everton and Rangers striker will be a huge hit in east Belfast after his shock appointment as Glentoran boss.
"You saw what Damien Duff did for the League of Ireland, he brought huge publicity and attention to it. If Duncan Ferguson can do the same for the NIFL, it would be brilliant because the league needs publicity and investment, it has fallen behind the League of Ireland in that sense.
Duncan Ferguson at the end of Everton's final match at Goodison Park
Duncan Ferguson at the end of Everton's final match at Goodison Park(Image: Getty Images)
View 4 Images
"Big Dunc is a massive personality. If he's successful, it might attract more ex-players and managers to go up there and make the league stronger overall."
Ferguson's coaching career to date includes being assistant manager at Everton under renowned managers Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez, and also two spells as caretaker boss. In recent years, he has managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.