Celtic icon shares who he heard is next in line for manager top job as ex Premier League gaffer 'lined up'

Celtic hero Aiden McGeady heard a rumour that former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is ‘lined up’ for the Celtic job.

While current boss Martin O’Neill is taking time to ‘reflect’ on his position over the extended international break, speculation over his successor has arisen. The 74-year old steered the Hoops to the domestic double last season - but after three defeats on the bounce in the current campaign, questions have been asked over his future.

McKenna has been linked with the Parkhead top job on numerous occasions in the past. His achievements include Ipswich winning promotion to the Premier League twice. However, after the most recent time last season, he left Portman Road for a break in management.

McGeady claims McKenna is ‘lined up’ for Hoops job

The former Republic of Ireland winger - who spent six years at Celtic after coming through the youth ranks - heard that Celtic are already considering McKenna for the future once O’Neill leaves. Speaking on Open Goal, he said: “I have heard Kieran McKenna is also lined up for next year. I heard that. People were saying that to me; I was like, ‘Kieran McKenna was on £6m a year at Ipswich.’”

The Northern Irishman has been tipped for O’Neill’s successor along with fellow former Premier League gaffer Eddie Howe, who stepped down as Newcastle United boss in July after a predominantly successful five years at St James’ Park.

Manager O’Neill signed a one-year deal in the summer, meaning if he does decide to stay during his three week period of soul searching, he will be in the Hoops dugout until the end of the season. Celtic remain top of the Scottish Premiership table, but are already out of the League Cup and have had an underwhelming start in Europe.

What were O’Neill’s original comments on reflection?

After the 1-0 defeat to Rangers on Sunday, the Hoops boss said: “I think there's every reason to ask, you know, can you turn this round? Can you change the whole thing? We are, as I said, two points clear, so I have to kind of look at the bigger picture at this minute.

“But I knew that we were in a big, big fight anyway, with both ourselves, Rangers, and Hearts again, who are far from out of anything. It's a long season ahead. It's not the first time I've been questioned about my managerial time. So, yeah, I'll have a look at it. I will reflect and see.”

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