Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane will go head-to-head in the coming days in the fight to take charge of Celtic next season.
Parkhead powerbroker Dermot Desmond is due to hold talks with both men in London over the post with no other candidate currently in the running.
It’s understood that a decision is likely by the end of the week, with the Irish billionaire keen to offer clarity ahead of a major rebuild of the squad over the summer.
O’Neill twice returned to the club to take charge last season, eventually leading the side to a remarkable league and cup double.
Following the victory over Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final, the 74-year-old didn’t rule out starting the season back in the dug-out but made it clear that he was not the right candidate if Desmond was looking for someone for a longer-term ‘project’.
But with the World Cup throwing up uncertainty in the transfer market, the prospect of the veteran again working in tandem with Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham holds obvious appeal.
Boyhood supporter Robbie Keane is in the frame for the Celtic job after departing Ferencvaros
Keane, though, would be willing to commit for three years, with Ireland’s record cap holder believed to have earmarked former Celtic players Scott Brown and Johnny Hayes as potential backroom men.
Like O’Neill a lifelong fan of Celtic, Keane played for the club on loan in 2010 and last year, while boss of Ferencvaros, didn’t rule out the prospect of one day becoming the manager.
The 45-year-old has just left the Hungarian club, where he claimed the title and the cup in his 18-month stint.
Prior to that, he managed Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he also won the title.
Celtic’s last-gasp title win ensured they have another crack at the Champions League next season. But with a play-off against the likes of AEK Athens or NK Celje lying in wait in mid-August, the new manager will be afforded as much time as possible to revamp the squad.
Wales boss Craig Bellamy yesterday distanced himself from reports linking him to the Parkhead position as he underlined his commitment to leading his nation into Euro 2028.
Martin O’Neill led the club to a league and cup double but admits he’s not a long-term option
Bellamy, who is halfway through a four-year contract, admitted there have been offers for his services amid links to Burnley and Celtic, but said: ‘Wales have given me this opportunity and I’m really grateful for that.
‘I’m fully focused on the next two years and being Welsh manager is unique, full stop.
‘No matter what club I’ve been at, my country is the most important thing. To be national team manager… it’s an amazing time and I don’t want to wish that away.’
Meanwhile, AC Milan are reported to have joined the list of clubs keeping tabs on Celtic’s Belgian midfielder Arne Engels.
The 22-year-old was the subject of a £25million bid from Nottingham Forest in the January window and he is believed to be keen on exploring his options as a number of English and European clubs monitor his situation.
Lazio and Roma have both been linked with the man who arrived in an £11m deal from Augsburg in 2024, but Milan could be set to make their move as they look to complete a major revamp of the San Siro squad this summer.
