Martin O’Neill talks up Robbie Keane’s attributes for Celtic job

Martin O’Neill talks up Robbie Keane’s attributes for Celtic job

Martin O’Neill has suggested that Robbie Keane possesses the qualities required to take charge at Celtic, following reports positioning him as a leading candidate to succeed him in the role…

The current Ferencvaros manager is understood to be highly regarded by Dermot Desmond and recently indicated he could be open to a new opportunity.

Keane, now 45, previously worked under O’Neill during his time as Republic of Ireland captain, and the interim Hoops boss believes his former skipper is firmly in the frame for the position.

Speaking via Daily Record, O’Neill said: “Robbie has done really fine at Ferencvaros, so why shouldn’t he be? The club should be looking at someone of that calibre.”

“I worked with Robbie when I was the Republic of Ireland manager. We could have done with him when he was 26 or 27, rather than the latter part of his career.”

“Did he strike me as a manager? That’s always hard to say. I don’t know enough about Robbie as a person to say how he’d manage a group in a dressing room, but he’s made a fair fist of it so far.”

Martin O’Neill at Dens Park. Dundee v Celtic. Sunday 5 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

O’Neill has revealed that preparations for the club’s future are already underway, with potential transfer targets being assessed ahead of his eventual successor’s arrival.

The Celtic boss also explained that his attendance at Preston’s 1-1 draw with QPR on Monday served both scouting and personal purposes.

O’Neill added: “I went because we should still be looking at players. Also, I know Preston director Peter Ridsdale from way back when Leeds tried to get me.”

“Someone I think could be good, the new manager might feel different. But at least it’s someone you can put on the board and say, ‘We looked at them’.”

Celtic are in action this afternoon against St Mirren with another huge three points up for grabs as the title race heats up.

Here’s Martin O’Neill’s media conference ahead of today’s match against St Mirren at Celtic Park.

COYBIG!

Conor Spence

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