Robbie Keane in blunt response to Celtic manager link as Rangers hero divulges 49ers whisper about ex boss
Latest news headlines surrounding Celtic and Rangers on Sunday afternoon
The international break is in full swing, meaning domestic football is on hold until next weekend.
New Rangers boss Danny Rohl is still settling into the role at Ibrox and have time to take stock after a hectic start to his managerial reign, while Celtic are pressing on with their search for Brendan Rodgers’ successor and could soon be in a position to unveil their new man in charge.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest news headlines surrounding both clubs:
Robbie Keane gives forthright response to Celtic links
Robbie Keane has responded to speculation linking him with the Celtic job, insisting he is “exclusively focused” on his current role at Ferencvaros.
The 45-year-old Irishman has been in charge of the Hungarian champions since the start of the year, steering the club to the league title in his first campaign.
He had been touted as one of the early bookies favourites to be named as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement, although it seems that the Hoops are going down a different route as they close in on the appointment of Frenchman Wilfried Nancy instead.
Asked about the link, Keane told local media: “As a player, they wrote that I would sign here or there, but it’s the same – there is nothing you can do about that, I am only and exclusively focused on my work here.”
Since retiring from playing, Keane has taken charge of three clubs, spanning two different continents. He had a brief stint as player-manager of Indian side ATK in 2018, before assisting with the Republic of Ireland national team under Mick McCarthy.
He then accepted a dual role, allowing him to be No.2 at Middlesbrough for ex-Spurs teammate Jonathan Woodgate while still fulfilling his role at international level.
Keane later teamed up with Sam Allardyce at Leeds before taking on his managerial gig in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, where he won the Israeli Premier League and Toto (League) Cup.
Ally McCoist on Steven Gerrard next job after Rangers snub
Rangers legend Ally McCoist insists Steven Gerrard must choose his next managerial role carefully as he shared his views on the Liverpool icon being linked with the vacant Middlesbrough job.
Boro are searching for a new manager after Rob Edwards left the EFL Championship club to join relegation-threatened Wolves in the Premier League.
And Gerrard, who has been out of work for almost a year since parting ways with Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, is one of the candidates in the frame for the position.
Despite residing with his family in the Middle East, the former Ibrox boss has made recent visits to the UK for punditry duties and interviews. Last month, he appeared on the brink of a return to Rangers as Russell Martin’s replacement before withdrawing from the process.
McCoist told talkSPORT Bet: “It's difficult. The bottom line is that we'll never know. I know the fans, myself included, were very keen on Steven coming back to Rangers.
“I thought it'd have been a good move, but he obviously saw something that he didn't fancy. Steven's next job, I'd suggest, is vital. He has to get it right.”
“Steven has probably looked at the club right now, the level of the playing staff, people above him, and something hasn't taken to his liking. From that point of view, he'd probably tell you that he's made the right decision.”
With current Leeds head coach Daniel Farke under mounting pressure, speculation is growing about Gerrard's interest in the role. And McCoist revealed some information he'd heard through the grapevine about 49ers Enterprises eventually getting their man that way.
“People have said to me, would Gerrard be interested perhaps in the Leeds job,” he added. “You’ve got to appreciate that there’s already somebody in the Leeds job. Big club.”