Celtic are on the hunt for a new manager at the end of the season

Celtic will be appointing a new manager at the end of the season and candidates are continuing to emerge as the second temporary reign of Martin O’Neill of the season develops.

The 74-year-old still has the chance to lead the Bhoys to a domestic double but his time at Parkhead is unlikely to become a long-term one, with multiple successors being considered to take on the role at the Glasgow giants. The Hoops are currently five points off the pace at the summit of the Scottish Premiership behind leaders Hearts, with Rangers and Motherwell also hoping for a shot at getting their hands on the trophy. Behind the scenes, preparation is beginning to get underway for the summer.

Robbie Keane emerges as favourite for Celtic job

Robbie Keane has become the ‘frontrunner’ to take over at Celtic this summer, as per reports by the Guardian. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves and Leeds United striker is currently head coach of Hungarian club Ferencvaros and has recently been linked with the Spurs job.

Reporting states that the Hoops have ‘set their sights’ on Keane and he is the favourite amongst a new three-man shortlist for the job. The 45-year-old has taken a unique route into management in Israel and Hungary but after winning league titles in both countries and leading his current side into the Europa League last 16 this term, Keane is seen as a ‘prime candidate’ to take over at Parkhead.

It is believed that Keane would be open to the role and this could be aided by a loan spell he spent at Celtic from Tottenham in 2010. There could be competition from other British clubs, though it is not believed that Keane was ever going to consider taking the Spurs job on the short-term basis which under-fire Igor Tudor agreed to.

The other two names mentioned on the Hoops’ three-man shortlist are Craig Bellamy and Jens Berthel Askou. But there are doubts about both – the former is currently Wales boss and might have World Cup commitments this summer, while there are fears within the Celtic hierarchy over whether Motherwell to Celtic could be too big a step up for Askou, according to the Guardian’s report.

Keane speaks on Europa League win amid Hoops links

Keane said after Ferencváros beat Braga 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 clash on Thursday: “We know we’re not stupid, don’t celebrate too much because it’s only half time.

“Hey guys, well done, what a performance at all. The information that we gave you, you took it all in and you did exactly and you executed it the way exactly where we wanted so well done for that. I know it’s tough because you have to concentrate a lot because you’re going man to man, I know it’s tiring but the energy that everyone showed to go and win this game was incredible. So get yourself mentally and physically ready for another big performance next week because you’re going to need all the energy that you can get.”

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