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Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has emerged as a leading candidate to become the next Celtic manager after holding formal discussions with the club’s hierarchy in London. Keane is believed to have presented an ambitious vision to the Celtic board as they assess long-term options following a challenging season.

Keane eyes return to Parkhead

According to reports, Keane met with senior Celtic officials in London to explore the possibility of taking charge at Parkhead. The 45-year-old, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with the club in 2010, is eager to return to the Scottish champions and has already shared his strategic plan for the future.

Celtic are currently at a crossroads regarding their managerial direction, as they weigh whether to retain veteran boss Martin O’Neill or opt for a new era under fresh leadership.

O’Neill, who was brought back to stabilize the team after the troubled tenure of Wilfried Nancy, guided Celtic to the league title on the final day of the season. However, his long-term position is expected to be discussed in the coming weeks.

Keane’s proposed coaching setup

To strengthen his case, Keane has proposed an experienced backroom team with strong Celtic and Scottish football ties. His suggested coaching staff includes former Celtic captain Scott Brown, current Celtic B team coach Jonny Hayes, and former Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass.

Glass, who recently worked alongside Keane at Ferencvaros, is considered a key figure in this potential coaching lineup. Keane and Brown briefly played together at Celtic Park, but it is the partnership between Glass and Brown that underpins this plan. Glass previously persuaded Brown to join Aberdeen as a player-coach, and their close relationship continues, highlighted by recent UEFA Pro Licence work in Budapest with Keane and Hayes.

Celtic board’s dilemma over O’Neill’s future

While Keane continues to push his project, the Celtic board must first determine Martin O’Neill’s future. The 74-year-old remains hugely popular among fans, having secured nine trophies across two spells with the club. The board plans to meet O’Neill to discuss whether the double-winning manager is willing to continue for another season.

Should O’Neill remain, he is expected to retain Mark Fotheringham and Shaun Maloney on his coaching staff. However, Maloney could move into a new role, with reports suggesting he is being considered for a sporting director or director of football position — a shift he reportedly favours over staying in a touchline role.

Board under pressure amid managerial search

The Celtic hierarchy faces mounting pressure to make the right choice following the fallout from the Wilfried Nancy period. Although Keane’s managerial career has included success — winning league titles with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel and a domestic cup with Ferencvaros in Hungary — his potential appointment has divided opinion among supporters, with some expressing unease over his previous stint in Israel.

Meanwhile, transfer activity at Celtic has paused until the managerial situation is resolved. The recruitment department has already identified potential transfer targets, but no signings are expected until a new manager is officially appointed.