Celtic Handed Major Robbie Keane Boost in Martin O’Neill Succession Race

The uncertainty surrounding Martin O’Neill’s future has dominated the Celtic headlines during the international break, with the club now being linked with several potential successors.

O’Neill admitted that he would take time to consider his position after Celtic suffered three consecutive defeats before the break.

Rangers inflicted defeats at both Ibrox and Celtic Park, while Ferencvaros also left Glasgow with a Europa League victory.

The results themselves were damaging, but the manner of the performances appeared to cause even greater concern among sections of the Celtic support and may have contributed to O’Neill questioning his future.

Celtic are understood to remain keen for the experienced Northern Irishman to continue in the role. However, the club have accepted that the final decision rests with O’Neill.

That uncertainty has naturally led to speculation over who could replace him should he decide to leave.

Names such as Sean Dyche and Kieran McKenna have already been linked with the position, while the Celtic hierarchy are understood to have drawn up a list of potential candidates.

One manager who continues to attract attention is former Celtic favourite Robbie Keane.

Robbie Keane remains an option for Celtic

Keane has been linked with the Celtic job on several occasions over the past 18 months and his managerial record has continued to develop.

The former Republic of Ireland striker has won league titles with both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros, giving him experience of managing clubs where expectations are extremely high.

He also knows Celtic and the pressure that comes with the position.

Keane spent a brief period on loan at Celtic in 2010 and made a huge impact during his time in Glasgow, scoring 16 goals in 19 appearances.

His familiarity with the club, combined with his attacking philosophy and experience of European football, would make him an interesting candidate should Celtic need to appoint a new manager.

However, Celtic are not the only club believed to have considered bringing Keane in.

Championship side Preston North End were reportedly interested in appointing him before ultimately naming Graham Alexander as their new manager.

Keane is understood to have withdrawn from consideration shortly before Preston made their move for Alexander, reportedly because he was waiting for an opportunity that better matched his ambitions.

According to Alan Nixon, people close to Keane believe another opportunity could now be close to being agreed, although the details of that role have not been made public.

Celtic could make their move

The latest developments could be significant for Celtic if O’Neill ultimately decides that the time is right to step aside.

Keane has been waiting for an opportunity to take the next major step in his managerial career and has already demonstrated that he can deliver trophies.

His record in Israel and Hungary has strengthened his credentials, while his previous spell at Celtic means he would not need an introduction to the demands of the club.

For now, O’Neill’s future remains the key issue.

Celtic are understood to prefer the 74-year-old to continue, but should he decide to leave, Keane is among the names who could potentially be considered for the vacancy.

With the club already believed to have been monitoring him closely, Celtic would seemingly have the opportunity to make an approach if they decide that a change in the dugout is required.