Celtic’s search for a permanent manager appears to be entering a crucial stage, with Robbie Keane once again finding himself at the centre of the discussion.
The Hoops finished the season in remarkable fashion, recovering from a difficult campaign to win both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup under Martin O’Neill. Celtic won all five post-split league fixtures before beating Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 at Hampden to secure the double.
Despite that success, there remains uncertainty over who will be in the dugout when preparations begin for next season.
Following the Scottish Cup final, O’Neill revealed that talks with Dermot Desmond were expected regarding the managerial position. Reports last week suggested those discussions, along with meetings involving other candidates, had been pushed back into this week.
That delay has kept the speculation surrounding the role alive.
On Monday afternoon, journalist Alan Nixon reported on his Patreon that Keane is due to hold talks with Celtic chiefs later tonight as the club continue their search for a permanent appointment. Nixon claimed the discussions had been scheduled as Celtic assess their options ahead of next season.
If accurate, it would represent one of the clearest indications yet that the club are moving beyond internal discussions and into direct conversations with potential candidates.
Keane has been linked with the position for several months. The former Republic of Ireland captain has built his managerial experience since retiring from playing and recently left Ferencvaros following the conclusion of their campaign.
His name has regularly appeared alongside other candidates believed to have been considered by Celtic.
Craig Bellamy has been repeatedly linked with the role since Brendan Rodgers departed in October. However, recent comments from journalist Geraint Hughes, following private conversations with the Wales manager, suggested Bellamy remains focused on his work with the national team and wants to continue that project.
That leaves O’Neill’s position as one of the biggest questions still facing the club.
The 74-year-old guided Celtic from third place to the title after returning in January and also delivered Scottish Cup success. Yet speaking after the final, O’Neill admitted he had received no indication from Desmond regarding the club’s plans.
“He hasn’t said anything to me, and I don’t know if that’s good news or bad news,” O’Neill said after the Hampden victory.
For now, Celtic supporters are still waiting for clarity. What does seem clear is that the club’s decision-makers are entering a week that could shape the direction of the champions heading into the 2026/27 campaign.
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we should not be taking no from the Bodo/Glimt manager