Robbie Keane has addressed talk over his future as speculation continues to build ahead of a pivotal summer at Celtic.

The 45-year-old is among the names strongly linked with the role, with the club expected to appoint a permanent manager once the current campaign ends.

Keane is no stranger to Celtic supporters. He arrived on loan from Tottenham on deadline day in January 2010 and made an instant impact, scoring 16 goals in just 19 appearances across all competitions.

Since moving into management, the former Republic of Ireland captain has built a solid start to his coaching career. He has already lifted two league titles, including one with Ferencvaros in his first campaign.

His current side remain in the hunt to retain that crown. They sit second in the table, three points off top spot with a game in hand and seven matches left to play.

Keane also took Ferencvaros to the Europa League last 16 this term before they were knocked out 4-2 on aggregate.

With his name now firmly in the frame for the Hoops job, Keane has opened up on his ambitions.

Speaking on Nicky Byrne HQ, he said:

“I have ambitions, and everyone wants to get to the highest possible level they can. I’m very lucky that I’m at a top club in Ferencvaros.

“Of course, there are other bigger clubs, we all know that. Ferencvaros is a top team in Europe, and that’s why I went there. I am at a high level in terms of what I am doing and what we achieved in the Europa League. I am already at a big club, but if I don’t have ambitions to go to the highest level, I might as well stop.

“If I don’t believe I can get to the top, there’s no point being a manager. Don’t always think that, ‘You are happy to stay here’, even though you could stay for 20 years. Always think you can reach even higher, because that drives you on — that makes you a better manager.

“I always have to believe I can go to the very top and win a lot of trophies. If I don’t, I won’t do it.”

It’s natural for a manager to show as much ambition. He remains respectful to his current side while also offering honesty regarding his future. Whether that’s at Celtic remains to be seen.

The Ferencvaros sporting director has already hinted Keane could move on this summer, adding further weight to the growing noise.

For Celtic, the focus remains on the title run-in. They sit three points behind Hearts with six games left, but the bigger picture has not gone away.

There is a rebuild coming, regardless of how the season ends.

Keane’s name is now firmly part of that conversation, and his comments will only add to it as Celtic edge closer to a decision.