Kevin Nolan believes Damien Duff could be a future Celtic manager and says he can understand why the former Hoops coach has been linked with the job.
Duff is currently working as first-team assistant coach at Brentford under Keith Andrews after returning to English football earlier this summer.
He was part of the backroom team during a successful period at Parkhead before later moving into the Republic of Ireland set-up.
Duff has since built his own managerial experience, most notably with Shelbourne, where he led the club to the League of Ireland title in 2024.
Nolan, who played alongside Duff during their time at Newcastle United, believes that career path could eventually lead him back to Glasgow.
He said: (BettingLounge), “I can see why Damien Duff’s name has been mentioned in relation to the Celtic job. Duffer is a good lad, very astute, and he’s doing really well. He had Joey O’Brien with him in Ireland when he was managing there and Joey then took over.
“I think he’s someone who could definitely step into that role. He’s with Keith Andrews at Brentford now, so he’s gaining experience as a Premier League assistant, which will be invaluable. I can certainly see that happening in the future.
“I can see that having legs if Martin O’Neill were to step away. It’s one I’d like to see, because I really like Duffer and enjoyed playing with him. Hopefully, he’d take Joey O’Brien with him as well, as they seem to work very well together.”
Duff joined Brentford in June and has quickly become an important part of Andrews’ coaching staff.
Andrews has already described him as his number two and spoken highly of the impact he has made since arriving.
Nolan also admitted he would have been open to playing for Celtic during his own career.
“I would have liked to play for Celtic, if the opportunity arose. I had a Celtic kit when I was younger because of Kenny Dalglish, so I was never really involved in the rivalry or aware of what it was all about.
“I was lucky enough to attend an Old Firm match while I was playing for Newcastle, and it was an incredible atmosphere. If I had been given the opportunity, it is certainly something I would have seriously considered in my career.”
Duff has never hidden how much he enjoyed his own spell at Celtic, and Nolan now believes a return in a much bigger role is something that could make sense further down the line.
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