Celtic manager candidate with Martin O'Neill's approval outlines where priorities lie amid Hoops interest
The Ferencvaros boss is on the shortlist of candidates to replace O’Neill in the summer
Robbie Keane insists his full focus is on matters at Ferencvaros - just days after being name-checked by Martin O’Neill has his potential successor.
The Irishman, who grew up a Celtic fan and had a short spell at the club as a player, has emerged as the frontrunner for the Hoops top job in the summer as O’Neill’s replacement. He was also heavily linked with a move back to Glasgow in December before Wilfried Nancy stepped in instead. The 45-year old has several Celtic connections including O’Neill himself, who he worked under in the twilight years of his career with the Irish National Team. The veteran boss claimed Celtic ‘should’ be looking at potential suitors with Keane’s pedigree in the game.
Despite the outside noise, Keane currently has a job on his hands in the Hungarian top flight. His Ferencvaros side top the table in their quest for their eighth title on the spin but are only ahead of FC Gyori on head-to-head record. As they prepare to face their rival contender on Sunday, with just three games to go beyond that, Keane insists his current focus is on matters in Budapest for now.
Keane locked in for Hungarian title race
On Tuesday night, Ferencvaros came from behind to beat Puskas FC Academy 2-1 at home and reclaim top spot. After the match, Keane assessed his side’s performance and claimed the most ‘important’ thing on his mind currently is instilling a winning mentality at Ferencvaros for the run-in.
He said: “The boys showed real character to turn the tables with two quick goals. I think at this level of the league there are ups and downs, but the most important thing is to win today. Everything in football depends on mentality. I expect a very tough match against Gyor, away from home, as our opponent has had a good season so far.
"We also have a good season, but it is also very difficult when you look at the international role and the fact that I have to operate with 18 foreign players. I have to try to make everyone happy. It's almost over [the season], fortunately, I hope we can move on from there."
O’Neill comments on Celtic successor
Last week, when asked is Keane is right to be in contention for Celtic’s next potential gaffer, O’Neill responded: “Robbie has done really fine at Ferencvaros, so why shouldn’t he be? The football club should be looking at someone of that sort of calibre. I worked with Robbie for a couple of years when I was the Republic of Ireland manager.”
Keane’s admiration for Celtic was further highlighted earlier in the season when they defeated Rangers 2-1 in the Europa League, also after going a goal down. The former Hoops striker didn’t hold back in his celebrations against his old rivals. While his full focus remains on Ferencvaros for the remaining four Hungarian league fixtures, Keane has indicated that he would be open to a move elsewhere at the end of the season, but only if it would take him to a ‘higher level’.