Simon Jordan believes any attempt by Celtic to pair Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane together in the dugout would be unlikely to work.
Speculation has continued growing around Celtic potentially trying to keep O’Neill involved at the club while also bringing Keane into the setup following constructive talks with the former Republic of Ireland captain.
There have even been suggestions O’Neill could move upstairs into a broader football role while Keane steps into management.
But Jordan does not believe that arrangement would suit the legendary Celtic boss.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said:
“I perceive there is an opportunity to bring Robbie Keane in and [for him] to potentially work under Martin O’Neill.
“I’m not sure that would work for Martin.
“I think Martin would want to manage Celtic. And if he’s managing Celtic or working in a way to either groom — to use the terminology advisedly — Robbie Keane to take over the management job, I would be surprised if he did that.
“I would be surprised if Martin wanted to do that.
“If they bring [Keane] in as an assistant to Martin as manager, I think that, to some extent, undermines him…
“Not because he should be fearful of the young protegee coming up, but because it’s basically suggesting that his job is to groom him as a successor, rather than manage the team.
“Succession in management is a great thing, but you build that internally. You don’t parachute somebody in and create a management team with the precursor that this guy’s going to manage you into a position.
“I would be surprised if Martin wants to be director of football. If he’s got the energy, he’s got to stop saying that he hasn’t got the energy. Because he has got the energy, and I suspect that he’s not saying that anymore.
“But I think Martin can do a job. I think it’s evident he can do a job. Of course he has the energy.”
Discussions are continuing between Celtic and the candidates. Talks with Keane have been described as constructive, while further meetings with Martin O’Neill are set to follow in the coming days.
There’s no indication as to when fans will find out the permanent successor to Wilfried Nancy, despite the season ending almost two weeks ago now and the Frenchman departing six months ago.
It’s been a long and slow process, and it really shouldn’t have been. The Hoops hierarchy have had six months to sound out and interview candidates, yet here they are choosing between a 74-year-old and a former striker that lost the league in a one-horse race.
