Keane v O'Neill: Celtic's big decision?

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Martin O'Neill and Robbie Keane are reported to be the main candidates for the Celtic job

ByThomas DuncanBBC Sport Scotland

Published55 minutes ago

Then, it seems, there were two.

Martin O'Neill and Robbie Keane are reported to be the main contenders to become Celtic's next permanent manager.

The club's board appear set to hold talks with both men as they look to make a swift appointment before an important summer for the Scottish champions.

After coming out of retirement, O'Neill eventually steered Celtic to a league and cup double over two interim spells this season.

Keane has started his nascent managerial career in Israel and Hungary, enjoying some success along the way.

With Motherwell's Jens Berthel Askou joining Toulouse and Craig Bellamy committing to Wales, the two men appear to be the ones left standing.

Will O'Neill come back for more?

Ten days ago, 74-year-old O'Neill hoisted the Scottish Cup to complete a memorable double following a chaotic season at Celtic, when he twice had to step in after Brendan Rodgers and then Wilfried Nancy departed.

He looked visibly tired at Hampden and admitted, if the season were to start next week, he could not go on and said Celtic may be looking for a younger man.

However, he refused to rule out returning in some capacity and was satisfied he had shown older managers could still contribute to the game.

His experience and steady hand guided Celtic to a fifth straight title on the final day against Hearts, and players spoke glowingly about his impact.

If you extrapolate the average points won by O'Neill in the Premiership across the whole campaign, Celtic would have won the league more comfortably.

O'Neill said he had learned a lot from his coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, and the same trio could well go again for Celtic, even if it is just for another year as the club look to rebuild.

The Northern Irishman's much-needed rescue job only strengthened his legendary status at Celtic, which stood since his first spell ended in 2005.

Now, they could turn to him again.

What might Keane bring to Celtic?

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Watch Celtic dispatch Dunfermline to win Scottish Cup

Given his spell as a player at Celtic, Keane, 45, has been linked as a candidate to manage the club for most of this season.

When the news broke last week that he had quit his role at Ferencvaros after 16 months, those noises grew louder.

The former Republic of Ireland international was keen to forge his way in management early, and took his chance abroad by initially joining Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023.

He won a league title there and moved to Hungary to join Ferencvaros in January 2025. Keane took the title favourites over the line that season as they clinched a seventh straight championship.

Despite their financial advantages, though, Keane's side could not defend the crown this season.

A 1-0 loss to eventual champions ETO Gyor in April proved costly. It was Ferencvaros' only loss in their last 11 games, but they missed out by a point.

They did win the Hungarian Cup as consolation, but far more was expected given their squad is valued at least three times more than the rest of the league.

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However, while Ferencvaros failed to punch their weight domestically, they overperformed in the Europa League after falling to Qarabag in the Champions League play-off round.

Keane guided his side to 12th place in the league phase, four points and nine places above Celtic despite having one of the smallest budgets. Their only defeat was against eventual semi-finalists Nottingham Forest.

On their way to the last 16, they defeated Rangers, Genk, RB Salzburg, and Ludogorets, while drawing away at Fenerbahce too.

They conquered Ludogorets again over two legs in the play-off round, before falling to Braga of Portugal 4-2 on aggregate despite a 2-0 win at home.

Ferencvaros often played 3-5-2, and Keane has often described his football as attacking and once said he threatened to drop his centre-backs if they passed to each other too often rather than opting to play the ball forward.

"I don't like my centre-backs keeping the ball for the sake of keeping the ball," the former Tottenham, Liverpool, and Leeds striker said.

Former Celtic captain Scott Brown and youth coach Jonny Hayes are mooted as potential assistants to Keane, as well as former Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass, who has been with him in Hungary.

Could he be the man to replace O'Neill? Or could he even work with his former international manager at Celtic?

O'Neill v Keane: The fans' view

Henry: Stick with O'Neill, if he feels he can continue. Then after the turn of the year bring someone in to work alongside him until the end of next season, by that time the new manager will be up to speed.

Edward: Celtic need to embrace O'Neill for one more season. Keane has undoubted 'Celtic minded' pedigree. However, a vociferous minority will not accept him. Fanciful as it sounds, in 12 months' time, would Arne Slot be a possibility?

John: If O'Neill is up for it I think it is a no-brainer. Get it done early and let him sort out the players he wants and who will go. Maloney in place to continue when O'Neill retires, most likely next season. I don't want the usual board waiting until the new season is almost starting before bringing someone in late!

James: If O'Neill stays for another year I don't think anyone involved with the club will complain. That said, it would only ever be a short-term appointment and we will find ourselves once again in this position in a year's time.