Celtic’s search for a permanent manager looks set to enter a key stage this week, with Sky Sports reporting that Dermot Desmond is due to hold talks with both Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane.

The club’s largest shareholder is expected to meet the two candidates as discussions continue over who will lead Celtic into next season.

O’Neill has been at the centre of the conversation ever since guiding the club to a remarkable domestic double. The 74-year-old returned to steady the ship following Wilfried Nancy’s departure and oversaw a dramatic turnaround in fortunes.

Celtic won all five of their post-split league matches to secure the Premiership title before beating Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.

That success has left the club with a major decision to make.

While O’Neill has spoken publicly about the possibility that Celtic may look towards a younger long-term option, Sky Sports now report that the club remain open to him staying on.


According to the report, Celtic’s hierarchy would be willing to continue with O’Neill as manager if he wants the role and if an agreement can be reached on the terms of any arrangement.

Even if O’Neill does not remain in the dugout, Sky Sports add that Celtic would like him to continue in some capacity at the club.

Robbie Keane remains firmly in the picture as well.

The former Celtic striker recently left Ferencvaros and is currently a free agent. Keane has been linked with the vacancy for several months and is understood to be set to meet with Desmond tonight.

The latest update suggests no decision has yet been reached.

Instead, this week could prove crucial as Celtic continue conversations with the leading candidates under consideration.

For now, O’Neill and Keane both remain central figures in the process, with further discussions expected before the club settles on its next permanent manager.

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