Despite missing out on the Celtic manager’s role this time around, Robbie Keane has not been ruled out as a future appointment at Parkhead, according to reports.
Martin O’Neill held talks with club owner Dermot Desmond and signed a one-year contract to become permanent Celtic manager for a second time, ending Keane’s immediate hopes.
O’Neill guided Celtic to both the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup last season, convincing club hierarchy that the 74-year-old deserved the opportunity to continue in the dugout.
The Irish Independent reports that Keane was “aware” O’Neill had first refusal on the permanent role following that impressive domestic double last term.
Club chiefs had reportedly planned for O’Neill to transition into an advisory capacity, with Keane set to take charge as the main manager in the technical area.
However, O’Neill’s desire to remain as first-team boss disrupted that arrangement, leaving Keane without the role he had been widely tipped to land.
Despite the disappointment, Keane is said to be “relaxed” over the deal falling apart, with the report noting it was “no surprise” that O’Neill ultimately chose to stay on.
A significant backlash from Celtic supporter groups had emerged over Keane’s management of Maccabi Tel Aviv, whom he led to the Israeli title during the 2023/24 season, but the report insists that fan anger “were categorically not the reason why he ultimately failed to land the role at Parkhead.”
The Irish Independent also notes there remains a “strong chance” Keane could still become Celtic boss further down the line, keeping his long-term association with the club very much alive.
Keane, who spent six months on loan at Celtic from Tottenham back in 2010, is said to be “open” to other management opportunities this summer while his future remains unresolved.
The former Republic of Ireland striker was recently spotted featuring in a Liverpool legends match against Barcelona held in South Korea, keeping his public profile firmly in the spotlight.
Celtic’s decision-making process has drawn considerable attention throughout this managerial saga, though it appears the club’s long-term succession plan remains largely intact despite the short-term change in direction.
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