Celtic backed to make “good” move by appointing title-winning manager who rejected Tottenham
Celtic was said to be appointed as a ‘sweet’ manager as Martin O’Neill’s second interim term, and the third spell in the Parkhead dugout in general, is slowly coming to an end.
Celtic are looking to the future as the Old Firm competition continues
Sunday’s Old Firm game at Celtic Park is one of the most relevant Scottish Premiership games to have been produced in recent years.
O’Neill’s Celtic sit three points behind Hearts with three games remaining, and a win at Rangers on Sunday keeps their title dream alive, while anything gives the Edinburgh club their first championship since 1960.
For the visitors, the title is an outside hope, but Rangers will know that a win could seriously damage Celtic’s chances of securing another Scottish title.
History, European currency, and a little bragging rights – it’s all on the line this weekend.
Martin O’Neill confirms “good news” for Celtic ahead of Rangers game
The Bhoys desperately need to defeat this old Firm.
Hearts, who beat Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle earlier this week to extend their title, face Motherwell on Saturday before Celtic have a chance to respond.
If Hearts win and Celtic drop points on Sunday, the title will be heading to Edinburgh.
O’Neill’s side just can’t slip.
The manager himself is preparing to leave Glasgow, as Celtic try to identify O’Neill’s long-term successor.
The 74-year-old took over under emergency conditions following the departure of Brendan Rodgers, and in the wake of the Wilfried Nancy disaster, and has done a solid job.
However, his contract expires this summer and a permanent replacement must be found regardless of how the title race ends.
Among the many names attached to this space, one continues to appear with increasing credibility, and now one of the most familiar voices in Scottish football has added his support to the cause.
Celtic have agreed to the “wonderful” signing of Robbie Keane after being rejected by Tottenham
Don Hutchison, a former Scotland international who now covers European football for ESPN, has watched Robbie Keane’s career at Ferencvaros closely, and has come away impressed.
Sadly, Hutchison didn’t just offer polite praise. He went further, urging Celtic to put Keane at the top of the manager’s shortlist.
“I watched his team a lot,” Hutchison told BestBettingSites, via The Daily Record.
“I comment on the Europa League and the Conference League, and Ferencvaros did very well. He plays good football. I think one day he will want to come back.
“He was linked with the Spurs job, wasn’t he? When Postecoglou left, or just before that, and I think Spurs wanted to give him a contract at the end of the season. He said no – and why would he?
“If he comes back, he will ask for years in his contract so that he can put in his project.
“So I think if Martin O’Neill goes, Robbie Keane would be a very good player. I think he would probably be the first candidate, actually.”
Keane, 45, has spoken openly about his desire to manage at the highest level, describing himself as someone who will not be satisfied with standing still, and his career in Budapest has been great.
He won the Hungarian title in his first season and guided Ferencvaros to their first European relegation in years, including a towering victory over Rangers earlier in the campaign.
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown visited Budapest recently to watch Ferencvaros in the semi-final of the Hungarian Cup, a trip that has already changed the language of Scottish football circles.
Dermot Desmond’s connection adds a dimension that no one else can match.
Celtic’s biggest shareholder personally funded Keane’s loan move to Parkhead back in 2010 – a partnership that lasted beyond the six months the Irishman spent in Glasgow.
Hutchison’s point about the length of the contract is important.
Keane has made it clear that he will only return to management at a big club on his terms – years of security, real investment, and the freedom to build something.
Reports suggest the Irishman had an offer to manage Spurs on a short-term basis, but was not keen on a short-term stay, so Celtic know what they have to do to lure Keane.
Parkhead chiefs want to sign a big-money midfielder from Celtic
Bhoys can spend a lot of money…
