“Everyone wants to get to the highest possible level,” Robbie Keane

“Everyone wants to get to the highest possible level,” Robbie Keane

Former Celtic striker Robbie Keane has addressed speculation over his next move in management, revealing that he is targeting opportunities at a higher level…

The 45-year-old has built an impressive coaching CV, securing domestic silverware in Hungary with Ferencvaros after previously enjoying success with Maccabi Tel Aviv. It’s fair to say that Keane’s decision to take the post in Israel did not go down well with many back home in Ireland.

Keane – who has been linked with the Celtic role amid expectations of Martin O’Neill moving on from the role in the summer – reflected on his long-term goals following a distinguished playing career that included a brief spell at the Hoops on loan.

Speaking on Nicky Byrne HQ, Keane said: “I have ambitions, and everyone wants to get to the highest possible level they can. I’m very lucky that I’m at a top club in Ferencvaros.”

“Of course, there are other bigger clubs, we all know that. Ferencvaros is a top team in Europe, and that’s why I went there. I am at a high level in terms of what I am doing and what we achieved in the Europa League.

“I am already at a big club, but if I don’t have ambitions to go to the highest level, I might as well stop. If I don’t believe I can get to the top, there’s no point being a manager. Don’t always think that, ‘You are happy to stay here’, even though you could stay for 20 years.”

Keane added: “Always think you can reach even higher, because that drives you on — that makes you a better manager. I always have to believe I can go to the very top and win a lot of trophies. If I don’t, I won’t do it.”

Ferencvaros currently sit second in the Hungarian top-flight – three points behind Gyori ETO.

Keane will undoubtedly be one of the potential candidates that Dermot Desmond has his eye on ahead of Celtic’s looking for a new permanent manager in the summer.

Unbowed. Unbroken – The Celtic support at Dens Park. Dundee v Celtic. Sunday 5 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

For now the focus at Celtic is on tomorrow’s crucial match at Paradise against St Mirren in the final Scottish Premiership match before the split.  It’s a must win affair for the Hoops and with the Green Brigade back in the North Curve the atmosphere is certainly going to be more like the good old days.

Let’s make some noise for the Bhoys!

Conor Spence

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